Norway on board

from Chippy Chat September 2020

Appy George’s Day

Norway on board to maintain momentum after National Fish & Chip Day

By Hans Frode Kielland Asmyhr, UK Director, Norwegian Seafood Council

“Fish & Chips were rightly championed as the nations favourite dish on their national day this month and we were proud to be a part of the celebrations. The challenge now is to keep this momentum alive!

Traditionally, National Fish & Chip Day marks a peak in sales for the industry, but this year came with its challenges. To see our good friends in the industry pulling together to celebrate the day with giveaways, competitions, special recipes, press, and events for their loyal customers was heart-warming after the past few months. Hopefully – even in these difficult circumstances – this year will still be marked as a success and we can build on the momentum that it brought.

We are already in a good place; the fish & chips industry handled lockdown well, adapting to the changed landscape and finding new ways to reach consumers. Much of the industries success was thanks to the speed with which it implemented stringent safety standards and technology to make it both easier and safer for customers to buy and collect –and without doubt this has proved its worth. And, luckily, chippies are working with trusted partners, like the Norwegian seafood industry, so supply is not an issue to satisfy demand.

Looking forward, sustaining sales is certainly a surmountable challenge after living through such unprecedented times. But, to ensure long-term and sustainable sales, it is up to our industry to continue to find creative ways to engage with the public, bring new customers into the category and work together to raise the profile of this culinary phenomenon. Rest assured that the Norwegian Seafood Council will continue to be a close partner to support the UK’s chippies in 2021 and beyond to Norwegian Seafood Council