Chip shop’s fact-finding Norway trip
THEY may have just been named the best fish and chip shop in Wales and in the UK’s top 10, but this Cynon Valley fish shop has gone on a cod and haddock fact finding mission – to Norway.
Staff from Penaluna’s Famous Fish and Chips in Hirwaun travelled to the western shores of the Scandinavian country on an educational trip to see its ‘whitegold’ cod and haddock - two of the most popular species used by British fish and chip shops.
Representatives from Penaluna’s and eight other shops, all in the running to be crowned the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year as part of the 30th anniversary National Fish and Chip Award organised by Seafish, visited the port city of Ålesund to discover the facts surrounding one of the largest sustainable cod and haddock stocks in the world. The trip gave finalists the chance to learn about the supply chain of Frozen at Sea (FAS) whitefish, which Norway has been supplying to the UK for almost 70 years.
The staff experienced how the country provides the perfect living environment for cod, and stepped aboard the Geir II ship one of the newest longline fishing vessels in the world.
They journeyed out on the Norwegian waters and uncovered the science behind the country’s sustainable fisheries management program while witnessing the entire fishing process; from baiting and ‘shooting’ the lines, to processing and freezing while out at sea.
Returning to land, finalists had a chance to exchange knowledge with top Norwegian chefs; sharing the background and history of fish and chips, while learning traditional cured Nordic cod recipes with Lutefisk and Bacalao at The Klippfisk Academy Cookery School.
Hans Frode Kielland Asmyhr, UK director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, said: “Fish and Chips continues to be one of the nation’s favourite dishes.
“This addiction has easily helped the UK become one of the world’s biggest markets for both cod and haddock. But with demand outweighing supplies, the UK must also rely on imports. Over the last 70 years, Norway has played a vital role to help satisfy this demand from one of the most abundant and scientifically managed stocks in the world.
The winner of the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award will be announced in London in January.