Plea to support our fish and chip shops

‘Support your local chippy’ is the plea from the fish and chip shops which are facing an unprecedented crisis as a knock-on effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Between 40 and 60 per cent of white fish comes from Russian sources, according to the National Federation of Fish Friers, as the industry anticipates a ‘terrifying situation’. While sellers of the British staple grapple with rising energy and shipping costs, sanctions on Russian imports are expected to triple the cost of Russian fish, which could decimate fish and chip shops across the country.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said: “We just hope customers continue to use their local independent businesses. We are all going to struggle and we need their support... especially fish and chips shops. If they want to contact their local MP, too, that may help.

“It’s a terrifying situation we’re facing at the moment. The high prices at the moment come down to a bit of a hangover after Covid. Energy and shipping costs have gone up. Wages have gone up. It’s forcing the price of everything up.

“The fish and chip industry has always had quite a tight margin. Fish is a premium protein, it’s as expensive as steak in the supermarkets but our prices have always been low.

“I’ve never had as much fear for the industry as I’m having now. If we get a sanction on Russian fish we can expect costs to triple.

LA Fish in The Hornet, Chichester, is one business that is now calling on the community to support your local independent take-away.

In a rallying statement on social media LA Fish told the city’s residents: “Your local community fish shop needs you!

“As you are aware we are seeing unprecedented price rises across all sectors but sadly fish and chip businesses are one of the hardest being hit.

“Along with energy, oil and potatoes seeing significant increases, the price of fish is hitting new levels. The war in Ukraine and the sanctions on Russia (which are rightly justified) are hitting our fish stocks as a large portion of our fish come from Russian waters. Demand is high and supply is low. We are looking at purchasing fish such as pollock and coley to offer which will be a cheaper alternative as we know how everyone is being affected by the cost of living.

“Please – when deciding to go for a takeaway – support you local takeaway. The majority are independent and really appreciate your support.”