Sustainorble Fish! Brits are demanding sustainable fish

Sustainorble

Fish! Brits are demanding sustainable fish with their chips… … they want more help choosing too.

With staycations now the norm, many Brits are craving nostalgic experiences like fish and chips on the seafront. But although we’re all keen for a return to better times; what’s expected inside the chip wrapper is evolving, according to new research by the Norwegian Seafood Council. And as sustainable fish rises up the agenda, diners are demanding greater transparency, helping them to make the right decisions when they’re choosing from a menu.

The UK continues to be a nation of fish and chip lovers. More than a third of Brits tuck into them once a week or more, and 65% partake at least once a month.

There’s strong consensus when it comes to sustainability: nearly 9 out of 10 diners (87%) agreed that sustainable fish is important to them. Despite this, only a quarter (24%) said they knew what to look for when it came to sustainable fish in a fish and chip shop, and the majority (53%) aren’t even sure they can tell the difference between cod and haddock. 74% of respondents agreed that they would find it helpful for fish and chips shops to tell them more about the sustainability credentials of their dishes.

Younger generations indulge more frequently, with 70% of 18–24-year-olds eating fish and chips at least weekly. But although Generation Z tucks in the most, they’re more demanding when it comes to environmental credentials: 85% think the origin of a catch is important when buying fish in a fish and chip shop.

Highly regarded by fish and chips shops across the UK for its cod and haddock, Norway leads the whitefish sector on sustainability and quality. The country’s environment and location provide the perfect conditions for fish, and its rich marine ecosystem teems with unique seafood that includes the world’s largest stocks of Atlantic cod.

Understanding the importance of protecting these precious resources, Norway has long been a global pioneer in sustainable fishing methods. So, whenever diners buy seafood with the origin mark, ‘Seafood from Norway’, they can be sure it meets exemplary standards in sustainability.

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

“We’re seeing a sea change in public awareness around sustainability. And as the traditional fish and chip supper adapts to meet these needs, customers are asking for more help to make the right choices.

Nostalgia remains a key component. As one of the nation’s favourite dishes, fish and chips will always hold a special place in British hearts – young and old. But diners now expect more when it comes to sourcing, and this is being driven by younger, more environmentally-aware consumers.

Significant numbers of fish and chips shops across the UK already use Norwegian haddock and cod – not just because of sustainability credentials, but also because of its quality. We’re keen, not only to reassure diners that they’re choosing sustainable fish suppers, but also to help these businesses attract and retain customers by making this more explicit.

We’re obsessive that our seafood is sustainably fished, so it’s a missed opportunity when fish and chip shops that serve our fish don’t let customers know about its origin. It’s good for business, it reassures the customer, and it’s a hardearned badge of honour for us.”

To learn more about Norway’s unique location, diverse seafood, generations of experience, and industry-leading sustainable fishing techniques, go to www.seafoodfromnorway.co.uk

Survey carried out by One Poll, 2000 UK consumers, July 2021

Every fish counts.

For more than 120 years Norway has been a global leader in marine research and sustainable stock management.

Our deep-rooted knowledge gives confidence our precious resources are responsibly managed and harvested using the best possible insight. Knowledge begins with experience.

Choose Norwegian seafood.