Thousands of fish and chip shops across the UK are facing closure as wholesale cod prices soar to £150 per case, according to industry leaders. The crisis has seen the number of shops plummet from 35,000 a century ago to just 10,000 today.
Rising Costs Force Tough Decisions
George Morey, owner of Knight's Fish and Chips in Glastonbury, said: "We're probably paying about £150 more a case for cod than we were last year, it's a massive increase and sadly we can't absorb those kinds of increases."
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, warned: "We are seeing shops close." He noted that smaller establishments struggle to compete while dealing with mounting legislation and compliance requirements.
Diversification and Changing Tastes
Many chippies are now diversifying their menus, offering pizzas, burgers, and loaded fries alongside traditional fare to attract customers. The price of cod has doubled in the past year, leading consumers to turn to cheaper ready meals.
Lee Chester, who now sells chilli and curry at his Hull shop, said: "The traditional fish and chip era has gone."
