Chippies battered

Half of 10,500 shops facing closure due to soaring costs

MORE than half of Britain’s fish and chip shops face closure by 2025 due to spiralling costs, it is feared.

Price hikes on fish, oil, potatoes and energy are leaving many owners struggling to stay afloat.

There are 10,500 chippies in the country but bosses at vinegar firm Sarson’s warn within three years there could be just 5,000.

And with today being National Fish & Chip Day, it is urging people to help save the threatened shops.

A Sarson’s spokesman said: “It’s no secret our chippies are facing turbulent times. Half of all chip shops are at risk of closure within the next two years because of rising ingredients, energy and operational costs.” National Federation of Fish Friers president

Andrew Crook, who has a chippie in Chorley, Lancs, added: “Fish and chip shops are so deeply entrenched in our culture and history, the thought of them disappearing is unimaginable.

“But given the threat of closure, this may become a bleak reality. Chippies face rising costs and operational challenges, putting our national dish in danger.”

We eat around 380 million portions of fish and chips a year, spending £1.2billion on the dish.

An average of seven dishes are bought by individuals annually.

Sarson’s is urging people to add two more a year in a bid to save the industry.

It has launched “Fryday”, where it gives away free portions every Friday until next February. The firm’s Vanni Cataldi said: “Fryday has one aim, to support the fish and chip shop industry during challenging conditions.”

Chippies first appeared in the UK in the 1860s, and by 1930 there were 35,000 – more than triple today’s number.

380m

Number of portions of fish and chips eaten in Britain over a year