Chippy Chat - Dec 2023

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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The Young Ones!

Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year

Six young professionals are ‘frying’ high towards prestigious national award! Sponsored by

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group of young fish friers have been successful in making it to the next round of the National Fish and Chip Awards 2024 in the hopes of being named the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year. The competitors - all aged under 25 – were judged to be the top six in the second-stage assessment, where the 10 candidates who made it through the first round of the competition showcased their fish and chip frying skills during individual, live demonstrations, while also facing a tough grilling from industry experts. Kelvin Lee, Managing Director of Drywite Ltd, which sponsors the award, comments: “We are extremely proud of the six who are moving forward in the category. They each have great passion for the fish and chip industry and learning, which is wonderful to see. There’s no doubt that the recipient of the Malcolm Lee Trophy will inspire many other young people to give their all to a career in the fish and chip sector.” Andrew Crook, awards organiser and President of the National Federation of Fish says: “The Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year category was postponed for a few years due to the pandemic and it has

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

always been hotly anticipated and now it’s back, we can see this year’s entrants have really upped the ante with their abilities – what great assets they are to the businesses they work for.”

The six fantastic fish friers are: • Imogen Atkinson - Real Food Cafe in Crianlarich, Scotland • Kieran Bulpit - Linfords Traditional Fish and Chips in Market Deeping, Lincolnshire • James Ellams - Fish and Chips @ Weston Grove in Chester, Cheshire • Charlie James - Pier Point Bar & Restaurant in Torquay, Devon • Glen Marshall Morrison - Garioch Fish Bar in Inverurie, Scotland • Jamie Russo - Redcloak Fish Bar in Stonehaven, Scotland After the next round of judging, the top three will be invited to London for the awards ceremony on 28 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge where the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year winner will be announced. For more information and bits on the National Fish and Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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GREAT GADUS

rr y e M as m t ris h at l C l a m o fr

JFK

The new GADUS has been constructed with great care to ensure high quality products based on the positive feed-back from our UK chip shop customers. We have over 100 years of fishing experience, and best practice too. Steps are taken at every juncture of the fishing process to ensure that JFK’s frozen-at-sea products are as fresh as possible. Frozen-at-sea has been called “fresher than fresh,” because within four hours from leaving the sea the fish is processed and frozen, locking in goodness perfect for your customers. JFK’s purpose is to work in harmony with the environment and to promote sustainable utilization of the fish stocks. ASK YOUR FISH SUPPLIER FOR FAS GADUS TODAY.

2024

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Read more about our certifications on www.jfk.fo Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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Merry Chipmas!

I Austen Dack Publishing Editor

t’s been a very busy few weeks

Please try to have a great Christmas

for me personally here at Chippy

holiday and let us all look to a

Chat. First the wonderful Faroes

Happy New Year. We have lots to

trip with JFK to see the Baptism

look forward to The National Fish &

of the new Gadus, then a four-day

Chip Awards, National Fish & Chip

journey across Holland with Isle

Day, plus of course the Isle of Ely

of Ely Produce to see our potato

Open day to name a few.

colleagues and finally a 900-mile

I end the year once again thanking

round trip to visit current Field to

our Chippy Chat partners. We

Frier winners The Real Food Café

couldn’t achieve all we do without

(National Fish & Chip Awards 2023).

your backing. We are very proud to

Sarah Heward and her partner Alan

be the only printed and published

McColm made me feel very welcome

monthly magazine in our wonderful

indeed. It is a very impressive outlet

sector.

made even better by their brilliant

Please email me austen@

staff who all buy into the company

chippychat.co.uk with your stories

ethos and plans to drive the

and/or if you wish to advertise Austen

business even further.

Chippy Chat Ltd

Oak Lane Littleport Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1RS www.chippy-chat.co.uk info@chippychat.co.uk Twitter @Chippychat Facebook Chippy-Chat TEL 07863 123 929

Say growth, say

Agrico.

Specialist breeder and supplier of high grade seed potatoes, bringing new and innovative chipping varieties to the fast food trade.

Managing Director John Boutwood

• High yielding • Superb taste • Premium yellow chip • Consistent fry quality • Long term storability

Publisher Oliver Boutwood oliver@chippychat.co.uk Publishing Editor Austen Dack austen@chippychat.co.uk 07863123929 Design/Editorial Accounts Claire Boutwood-Potter accounts@chippychat.co.uk Advertising Sales and Promotions austen@chippychat.co.uk For PR and Editorial editorial@chippychat.co.uk

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Babylon...

Why not ask your local supplier today! Call: 01307 840 551

Email: potatoes@agrico.co.uk

www.agrico.co.uk @agrico_uk @AgricoUK

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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Inside

December 2023

A look back at 2023 in pictures

Diary Dates

Business or pleasure, dates not to be missed

The Hake of you! Ed Sheeran ‘Rocks’ Up at Local Chippy

Join the Q for amazing rewards! What is Save + Select?

O Hour of Scotland! The inaugural Scottish Fish & Chip Awards

Multiple Choice

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National Fish and Chip Awards announces its best UK multiple operators

Blanket Coverage!

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Get your Christmas all wrapped up with Blakemans

The Really Good Food Café! We take a near 950-mile round trip to

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visit Sarah Alan and the team at the Real Food Café in Tyndrum

Voice of the Key Five!

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The UK’s 5 best chippies revealed for Restaurant of the Year

Combined Success!

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Bidcorp UK businesses, Bidfood and Bidfresh awarded top MSC Award

News of the World! Newcomer of the Year shortlist for National Fish & Chip Awards revealed

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Middleton Foods - Peter Hill Award!

Still Playing Ketchup! Squeeze The Day With Heinz: PerfectlySized, Compliant Sauces Of Income

Chip Chip Hooray!

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A gallery of great fish and chip shops abroad featured in 2023

All Together Now! Come to the Farm

Sowing the Seeds of Love! We look behind the scenes to see how Babylon made the grade!

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Es 30 tab Ye lish ar ed s

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Pictures of you

Frying Range Engineers Servicing all makes of ranges, covering East Anglia, East Midlands & London/M25 Annual Range Servicing • Insurance Certificates Duct Steam Cleaning • Repairs • Modifications

• Refurbished / Rebuilds / New • Traditional & Dutch Makes • Extraction Systems & Ductwork • Shopfitting Design & Refurbishment • Fire Damage, Repairs & Upgrades

Middleton Foods is delighted to announce Oliver’s Chippy in Warton, Lancashire as the first-ever Winner of The Peter Hill Award.

No Confusion! Fusco Brothers are both frying legends after winning Drywite YFF Award

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

For prompt, efficient service please call:

01553 772935

sales@klsonline.co.uk Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023 In association with

Frying Ranges

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Pictures As usual in December we look back to some of the pictures

we have featured both in the magazine and online during the course of the year! If you have any illustrations (and/or stories) you would like us to use, please email austen@chippychat.co.uk as we will be featuring some again in January 2024

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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of you WE HAVE SUPPLIED INBUILT SUPERPAD SYSTEMS (TRIPLE FILTRATION) FOR FACTORY FITTING TO: MARTYN EDWARDS FRANK FORD KIREMKO (KFE) HENRY NUTTALL SCOTRANGE EDEN RANGE

WE HAVE ALSO RETRO-FITTED BASKET FILTRATION AND SUPER PAD UNITS TO SHOP INSTALLED RANGES. PLEASE CALL FOR ADVICE ON YOUR RANGE

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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Diary Dates Business or pleasure, dates not to be missed... January 1-31st 2024

December 10th

Veganuary

The Chippy Chat Ball

Veganuary is an annual challenge run by a UK non-profit organisation that promotes and educates about veganism by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of

Chat y p

January.

ll 2 023

Chi p

The Chippy Chat Ball is booked in, fingers crossed, pandemics allowing we will be back this year.

Ch ristmas Ba

February 28th 2024 National Fish & Chip Awards 2024

The ceremony for the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 will take place on the 28th of February 2023, at the Park Plaza in Westminster. Good Luck to all finalists.

March 3rd 2023 What’s Cooking

2024 Henry Colbeck are excited to announce that What’s Cooking? 2024 will be held at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh on the 3rd of March 2024, They hope to see us all there

March 10th 2023 British Pie Week Pie Week falls in the first week of March. Pies have been in existence since about 2000 B.C. and have been loved by the British since the 12th century.

June 6th 2024 National Fish & Chip Day Neoda’s National Fish & Chip Day is about giving fish and chips the recognition it deserves and helping to secure its position as the nation’s favourite dish.

Keep up to date with trade events by visiting www.chippychat.co.uk and clicking on events. If you’re organising an event and would like to send us details so that we might mention it here and/or on the Chippy Chat website email your details to - austen@chippychat.co.uk

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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The Hake of You! Ed Sheeran ‘Rocks’ Up at Local Chippy

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he owner of a Suffolk fish and chip shop has seen a boost in customers following a pop superstar’s visit which went viral. Stowupland Fish Shop, near Stowmarket, served Ed Sheeran in October following the release of the singer’s seventh number

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

one album, Autumn Variations. News of Ed’s visit went viral on social media over the weekend and shop owner Ali Guzel was pleased to welcome many new faces to his establishment. Mr Guzel said: “My staff recognised him straight away but I wasn’t sure as he was wearing a hat, I thought maybe he was just a look-a-like - but it was definitely him. “We’ve seen more customers come in since his visit and it has actually helped our business with all the local news showing the photos of him inside the shop. “It’s really put us on the map and we’ve served so many new faces over the weekend.” “Let’s hope he comes again next week for his fish and chips.” The Framlingham-born musician ordered scampi, fish and chips, curry sauce, mushy peas and two cans of drink. He has also recently been busy pulling pints at Ipswich Town Football Club. Who has visited your shop? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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Join the Q for amazing rewards! What is Save + Select?

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t’s our exclusive Customer Rewards Club and it’s our way of saying THANK YOU for choosing us as your supplier. We really value your business! The Q Partnership’s Save + Select Rewards Club is a unique scheme, rewarding the Fish & Chip and Food On The Go sector. At the Q Partnership we reward our customers all over the UK with exclusive rewards and benefits. Henry Colbeck’s Marketing Director Georgina Colbeck said: ‘This year we launched our new look Save + Select Rewards Club and brought our customers 12 months of even more benefits! With a logo incorporating the colours of the Q Family Partnership companies (green, red, yellow and blue), we delivered 6 generous promotions, competitions and incentives, designed to reward our VIC’s (Very Important Customers!). Prizes included fantastic city breaks, £100 in casino chips plus lots more. Our November/December campaign is to win great prizes from a wide range of companies like uniforms, signage, equipment and more!

UNIQUE NEW BENEFIT FOR 2024! We know how difficult the past year has been, on top of the previous ones and we’re always thinking of ways we can help. So, this year we’ve joined forces with the NFFF to offer a new benefit – swap Save + Select points for NFFF Membership. For a single NFFF membership worth £220, we simply swap that amount of your points – all you need to do is let us know and we’ll do the rest and the NFFF will be in touch with you direct – we’ll pay the NFFF and there’s no membership bill for you to pay – simple as that! The Q Family Partnership love to give back to our customers and the industry – so we’re keeping busy and looking for new ways to reward you. Keep your eyes peeled for what’s in store for 2024! How does it work? The Club is fully automated, meaning you don’t have to fill in any registration forms, you’ll be signed up automatically when you open your account. Then, as a valued Q Partnership Customer, you‘ll automatically earn points on qualifying products when you buy from us and you can then choose from an exciting range of benefits and rewards including gift cards from both Sainburys and Amazon and Love 2 Shop Gift Cards. - O n ce you ’ ve accu mu late d 2 50 points, you can exchange them for a great range of gift cards or e-codes, you can choose Q Partnership credit vouchers. If you’ve saved enough you could even choose a mixture of all of these benefits!

Exclusively Available from: supplier; For further information about Save + Select, contact your nearest Q Partnership Exclusively Available from: vely Available from: Henry Colbeck Ltd. T: 0191 482 4242

W: www.colbeck.co.uk

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Friars Pride Henry Colbeck Ltd. Friars Pride Ltd. T: 0191 482www.friarspride.com 4242 T: 01733 316400 W: www.colbeck.co.uk W: www.friarspride.com 01733 316400

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

HenryPride Colbeck Ltd. Henry Colbeck Friars Ltd. & Co. Ltd. T:V.A.Whitley 0191 482 4242 T: 01733 316400 www.colbeck.co.uk 01706 364211 W:T: www.colbeck.co.uk W: www.friarspride.com W: www.vawhitley.co.uk 0191 482 4242

Pride VA WhitleyFriars V.A.Whitley & Co. Ltd.Ltd. T: 01733 316400 T: 01706 364211 www.vawhitley.co.uk W: www.friarspride.com W: www.vawhitley.co.uk 01706 364211

Members of The Q Partnership Members of The Q Partnership 12 Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023


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O Hour of

Scotland! The inaugural Scottish Fish and Chip Awards took over the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow on Monday 13th of November. The event was created to provide recognition and to reward excellence within the Scottish Fish and Chip Industry By Warren Paul

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he awards were sponsored by TQuality. Other sponsors included McWhinneys, Pukka, Profry & Kerry Foods. The event was hosted by Scottish BBC personality and Heart FM breakfast show host Des Clarke. Over 500 guests joined the celebrations from across from

Dumfries all the way to Peterhead. They were treated to a night of fantastic food & drink, alongside brilliant entertainment including a special performance from Barbara Bryceland who is famous for her performances on X Factor and the Voice. Plenty of chip shops received recognition on the night and all winners are listed together with a few images which captured the evening. All winners photos are available to view on the Scottish fish and chip awards Facebook page. For a first-year event, it was great to receive over 60,000 unique votes from the general public who took their time to vote for their favourite fish and chip shop! 878 Scottish fish and chip shops took continued >

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> continued

part and interacted with the event, which represents the Scottish fish and chip industry. Registrations are now available for 2024 with all winners automatically entered to have the chance of retaining their title. Warren Paul event CEO said: “We are proud to provide this platform as a place for the Scottish public encouraging them to support their local chip shop. It’s vitally important that we all work together to improve quality and drive standards forward helping keep fish and chips as the number one takeaway in Scotland”

Winners of the Scottish Chippy Awards by Category BEST CHIPPY - CENTRAL. . . . . . . . Blue Lagoon - Stirling BEST CHIPPY - EAST. . . . . . . . . . . . The Chippy By Spencer BEST CHIPPY - NORTH . . . . . . . . . . The Seaforth BEST CHIPPY - SOUTH . . . . . . . . . . Eglinton Diner & Fish Fry BEST CHIPPY - WEST. . . . . . . . . . . . CATCH Fish and Chips (Giffnock) BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE. . . . . . . Happy Haggis BEST DELIVERY SERVICE. . . . . . . . The Kraken Chippy BEST DESSERT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Kraken Chippy BEST DINE IN RESTAURANT . . . . . Bertie’s Fish & Chip Restaurant BEST FAMILY BUSINESS. . . . . . . . . Alpino’s BEST FISH SUPPER - CENTRAL. . . Bruno’s BEST FISH SUPPER - EAST. . . . . . . Cromars BEST FISH SUPPER - NORTH. . . . . Deli-ca-Sea Fish & Chip Shop BEST FISH SUPPER - SOUTH. . . . . Muirhead Captains Chippy BEST FISH SUPPER - WEST. . . . . . Tony’s Chip Shop BEST FISH TEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McMonagle’s Boat BEST FOOD TRUCK. . . . . . . . . . . . . Joanna’s Chippy Van BEST MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Muirhead Captains Chippy BEST NEWCOMER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Il Pescatore BEST PIZZA -EAST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dino’s (Haddington) BEST PIZZA - WEST. . . . . . . . . . . . . Quintiliani’s (Larkhall) BEST TEAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bruno’s PEOPLE’S CHOICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Wee Chippy, Anstruther OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT. . . Angelo Varese - Blue Lagoon

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Multiple Choice

Multiple Operator Top 3

National Fish and Chip Awards announces its best UK multiple operators By Austen Dack

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hree fish and chip businesses have been identified as finalists in the Best Multiple Operator of the Year category at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2024. After an intensive judging process, which saw entrants grilled about their industry knowledge, environmental and sustainability practices, employer standards and more, fish and chip experts have had time to ‘mullet’ over. The three multiple operators that have excelled are Bells Fish and Chips in the North-East, Haven, Cook’s Fish and Chips, located in Lancashire, South Wales and Kent and The Chesterford Group, with outlets across the South-East. Things are to reach boiling point, with mystery visits at each establishment to take place at an undisclosed time to the final three. There’ll be no time for floundering for any of the businesses, as the one which scores the highest will be deemed the winner, with the announcement to be made live at the awards ceremony on 28 February 2024 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London. Andrew Crook, the president of the National Federation of Fish Friers which

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

organises the awards comments: “Our three finalists for Best Multiple Operator deserve recognition for their incredible hard work in a year that has been relentless. Being able to keep plates spinning in numerous locations requires the highest levels of determination, teamwork, vision and of course amazing food, and that’s what these businesses have shown.” The category is sponsored by Pacific West Foods, a frontrunner for quality and innovation in frozen seafood sector and one of the leading suppliers of raw and value-added seafood. Its Managing Director Martin Finegan adds: “What an achievement for the finalists to be identified as the UK’s best. Fish and chip businesses show a type of resilience and dedication to serving customers with quality seafood that never fails to impress. This means being able to move fast with the times and Pacific West Foods is looking forward to assisting many more fish and chip businesses in this way.” Sponsored by

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Continued >

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WE'RE BACK IN BONNIE SCOTLAND WITH THE TRADE SHOW FOR FISH & CHIP, TAKEAWAY AND FOOD SERVICE PROFESSIONALS! te!

Da Save the

3rd March 2024 • 10am - 4pm

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB We're planning a bumper show, with lots to see, taste, watch, learn and win, as well as exclusive promotional offers only available on the day. Stick it in your diary now so you don't miss out. Join us! Hope to see you there! ENTRY IS FREE & EVERYBODY IS WELCOME! Already a Henry Colbeck Customer? We’ll send your free tickets directly to you before the day. Not a Henry Colbeck Customer? Contact us today by e-mail marketing@colbeck.co.uk or call 0191 482 4242

Visit our website to check out the video from What’s Cooking? 2023 www.colbeck.co.uk/whats-cooking-2023 20

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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FRY MORE ~ FOR LESS “Best Deepfryer Accessory”

“OilChef TM can double the life of your range oil/fat

Merry Christmas from all at

Enhance food taste and quality with the Oil Chef TM device 3 second installation ~ 3 year warranty Eco-Friendly Technology 21

www.oilchef.com Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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Blanket Coverage! Get your Christmas all wrapped up with Blakemans

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o most now is the time to be thinking of Christmas but, for the team at Blakemans, seasonal preparations have been in full swing for months. Back at their base in Newcastle-underLyme, the Blakeman team have been hand rolling a steady 500,000 pigs in blankets per week since June aiming to make an estimated total of over 10 million this year to ensure that there will be a plentiful supply for all in time for the festive season. Sales of pigs in blankets have risen sharply year on year and are always an on-trend festive treat. But did you know that they are also wonderful when battered and deep fried? James Morris, head of business development said: “Having battered and deep fried our precooked pigs in blankets at various trade shows we found that we were always met with a queue of curious, excited and hungry visitors

to our stand and we were left pigless every time. We knew we were on to something so we vigorously trialled and tested them in our purpose-built development kitchen and are delighted to announce that, once battered, they perform fantastically through the frying range each and every time. We are always looking for ways for our customers to get the most out of our products and these pigs in blankets are the ideal seasonal upsell item” Blakemans pre-cooked pigs in blankets are individually quick frozen and come in handy to store 1kg bags. They cook beautifully through your frying range using your usual batter, needing no investment and causing no mess. When battered and deep fried directly from the freezer you can take out what you need, when you need with no waste. If you’d like to stock the must have seasonal product this year and add these festive delicacies on your specials board then please see your local Blakemans supplier for details.

Contact James T. Blakeman & Co. Ltd. Millennium Way, High Carr Business Park Newcastle - U - Lyme, Staffs ST5 7UF Tel: 01782 569610 Fax: 01782 569611 E-mail: admin@blakemans.co.uk www.blakemans.co.uk

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The Really Good Food Café! So finally, I got the chance to take a near 950-mile round trip to visit Sarah Alan and the team at the Real Food Café in Tyndrum By Austen Dack

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s sponsors of the Field to Frier National Fish & Chip Award Isle of Ely Produce and Agrico variety Babylon were delighted to crown them as champions in March of this year! I set off from Glasgow early one morning looking forward fervently to my train ride on the Glasgow to Oban railway line. The West Highland Line is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. This train line runs from Glasgow north to Crianlarich. One route then goes west past Loch Awe to Oban, or north through Rannoch Moor to Fort William and Mallaig. It was as beautiful as I had imagined Finally, I arrived at Tyndrum. It is a small village with a population of just 167! Crucially it is on the West Highland Way which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. In 2024 they celebrate their 20th year. Immediately it is clear they have a vision—one rooted in community, family, authenticity (and a pinch of Scottish pride!)—and that’s why they have become the awardwinning restaurant you see today. Whether it’s their relationship with local suppliers, widespread community work, or treatment of employees, the’ve always upheld the values that fuel their success. The weather for my visit was not conducive for walkers so I was amazed to see already at 11.30am a nearly full café. I

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

spoke to a number of guests including a couple from Germany attracted by their Gluten Free offering and two from America originally from Scotland who just wanted to share in some of the best fish and chips in the UK! I ordered the haddock and chips with homemade sauces and mushy peas. To wash it down I had a local Loch Lomond pale ale. Alan also suggested I tried a small gluten free battered fish too. If I’m honest and I was blind folded both batters would have been difficult to tell apart they were both so good. No wonder they have made such a hit with Coeliacs from across the UK (nee World). They best thing being their gluten menu is only pennies more than the normal offering. (I’ve seen some shops selling Gluten at a massive premium). For my tour I was left in the hands of RF managers Charles and Colin. The Real Food Café ticks all of the boxes of what makes a fantastic fish and chip restaurant, but what was the engine room like? As I went around, I became even more impressed. This is one well-honed machine, that not only knows what it is doing now, but with plans in all areas that map out the next five years. Like many top shops, awards could mean resting on the laurels of success. For them they are just part of the journey. Thanks for my visit go to the whole team. I have already planned a return in the spring to see TRFC as it awakes for the new season. I will report back about their staff recruitment success and their new plans for the outside area. Good Luck Imogen in the NF&CA YFF Award. www.therealfoodcafe.com

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Tempt pie-lovers with full-on flavour from the nation’s *

Stock up now through your Pukka representative, wholesaler, or by calling 0116 264 4000

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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*Kantar Worldpanel 52 wk hot pie market share data to 03.09.23


Voice of the Key Five!

Restaurant of the Year Top 5

The UK’s 5 best chippies revealed for Restaurant of the Year

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o be recognised by the fish and chip industry as the Restaurant of the Year will soon become a reality for one UK business, as the five category finalists are named for the 2024 award. Things are heating up for the five fish and chip restaurants in Norfolk, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Bristol and Devon. Over the last couple of months, well-respected names from the fish and chip industry have challenged the businesses, with deep-dive explorations to analyse their sector knowledge, implementation of industry best practice and employer responsibilities, to name a few of the benchmarks. Eric’s Fish and Chips in Hunstanton, Knights Fish Restaurant in Glastonbury, Cirencester’s Malt and Anchor, Noah’s in Bristol and Torquay-based Pier Point Restaurant will now be on tenterhooks to see if they will be the victorious recipient of the National Fish and Chip Awards’ Restaurant of the Year gong. President of the National Federation of Fish Friers, and awards organiser, Andrew Crook, says of the lineup: “Congratulations to our five finalists! Restaurant of the Year has once again been a very popular category and it has been a great pleasure

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to gain a better understanding of each business and learn about the people who serve top-quality meals to happy customers. Their unshakeable dedication to the foodservice industry has seen them reach the final stages and we couldn’t be happier for them.” Björgvin Þór Björgvinsson, project manager at Seafood from Iceland, sponsor of the category award, comments on the remarkable efforts of the finalists. “The competitors have thoroughly impressed us all and deserve to be lauded for their contributions to the fish and chip industry. They are at the top of their game and Seafood from Iceland will follow them all closely to see how they continue to push the boundaries of fish and chip excellence going forward.” The mystery visits portion of the judging is up next, and the pressure will be on for the five chippies to maintain great standards and customer service, as this will seal the fate for who takes the crown. The winner will be announced at the National Fish and Chip Awards ceremony on 28 February 2024 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London. For more information and bits on the National Fish and Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.

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Combined Success! Bidcorp UK businesses, Bidfood and Bidfresh awarded top MSC Award

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ecently, Bidcorp UK companies, Bidfood and the Direct Seafoods division of Bidfresh, scooped the prestigious MSC Foodservice Wholesaler of the Year award for their outstanding, all-round focus on seafood sustainability. Passionate fish experts with unrivalled industry knowledge, all Bidcorp UK business are driven by a shared desire to provide kitchens with quality fresh and frozen produce to help customers create inspired menus, with sustainability being paramount across all practices. Held at the historic Fishmongers’ Hall in London, and now celebrating its tenth anniversary, the MSC awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and performances in sustainable fishing across the entire UK business spectrum. Considered the crème de la crème of awards across fish and seafood foodservice, the MSC UK Foodservice Wholesaler of the Year award is judged on the number of MSC labelled products, variety of MSC certified species on sale and volume of MSC certified fish on sale to UK foodservice companies. Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp UK said: “I’m incredibly proud of both businesses picking up such a prestigious award. It’s testament to the team’s hard work and achievements over the past year and beyond. “Along with extensive customer support, including menu planning, recipe inspiration and training, sourcing fish responsibly is

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

paramount to both businesses and we passionately believe in promoting the most sustainable products available to us.” About Direct Seafoods Fresh, sustainable, passionate. These are just some of the things that make us the perfect catch as your specialist fishmonger. The journey of bringing great seafood to your kitchen starts with strong relationships with local fishermen, farmers and processors, and commitment to responsible supply chains. This means fresher fish, lower food miles and a reduced carbon footprint, shortening the supply chain to bring you a product you can trust. Sustainability is key to our business and so we’re dedicated to promoting the most sustainable species available to us. We work closely with many relevant organisations such as, MSC and MCS. But it’s not just about the fish, it’s about the people behind them, skilfully preparing each one to showcase on your menu. From advice on seasonality of species, to the latest recipe inspiration, our experts have you covered. https://www.directseafoods.co.uk/ 01206 584 790 @direct_seafoods About Bidfood As one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, we share our customers’ passion for great food. But our passion doesn’t stop there. We are also 100% dedicated to delivering service excellence to help our customers succeed and grow. www.bidfood.co.uk 01494 555 900

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News of the World! 2023 Best newcomer Winner - Lighthouse Fisheries of Flamborough

Newcomer of the Year shortlist for National Fish and Chip Awards revealed

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ive new chip shops in the UK are proving their worth their salt by making the shortlist for the Newcomer of the Year category at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2024. The businesses, which all opened their doors on or after 1 January 2022, have been assessed against a tough set of criteria by trade ‘o-fish-ials’ to determine their level of industry knowledge, environmental and sustainability practices, employer standards and of course, their ability to produce the tastiest chip shop favourites. The new cods on the block making a splash are: Lincolnshire A Salt ’n’ Battery, Crowle Wales Evans Fish Bar, Powys Yorkshire Ings Fish Bar, Redcar 2024 N Mackerel Sky, Stamford Bridge Scotland Red Cloak Fish Bar, Stonehaven Andrew Crook, president at the National Federation of Fish Friers, which organises the awards, comments: “Each and every business that entered the category has been very impressive. To be acknowledged for an award in less than two years of trading in such a tough climate for the fish and chip industry is demonstrative of just how hard these friers have worked to get their businesses up and running. The shortlisted chippies have set the bar even higher this year and we’re excited

Best Newcomer Top5

to see how the next stage pans out.” ADM/Frymax is sponsoring the Newcomer of the Year award, and its UK Brand & Marketing Manager Andrew Marriott is also full of praise for the contenders. “To launch a quick-service business postpandemic and during an economic crisis is not for the faint hearted and what persistence, willpower and impressive determination these exceptional chip shops are displaying. “Supplying our oil to UK chip shops for over 70 years, Frymax has been and is an integral part of the trade so seeing exciting new arrivals like these makes us even more proud to support the industry.” The top five are angling to make it to the final three but will first have to ace the mystery shop visit and interview process which will take place shortly. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on 28 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London. About Frymax: There is Frymax and then there are other cooking oils. The difference is that we have been producing the same product with the same delicious results for almost seventy years! No changes, no additions and no modifications, simply pure white premium palm made from the highest quality raw materials. It is additive free, contains no hydrogenated oil and less than 1% trans fats. Frymax guarantees consistently good results and long-lasting performance without any deterioration in quality. When you see the word ‘Frymax’ on the box you know that you are buying the very best for your customers. www.frymax.co.uk. For more information and bits on the National Fish and Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.

ADM/Frymax is sponsoring the Newcomer of the Year award

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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We are passionate about potatoes and their potential

For decades Meijer Potato has been breeding only the best varieties to suit the demands of the market. We focus on ensuring reliable fry appearance, texture and flavour to give you a premium product. Helping you to deliver the perfect chip that both looks and tastes great! Everybody deserves to enjoy food. We are Meijer Potato Accord Early favourite, white fries and that fresh new season taste

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Lady Anna Great taste, less waste, premium fries

NEW! Lady Terra A whiter fry with dry matter to extend that new season feeling

Lady Jane Yellow fleshed, delicious flavour, maintains a good colour after cooking.

Bayfield Brecks Barns, Garden Lane info@meijerpotato.co.uk Letheringsett, Holt, Norfolk, www.meijerpotato.co.uk NR25 7DZ  Tel: 01263 710602 Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023 Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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Middleton Foods announces Winner of The Peter Hill Award! Middleton Foods is delighted to announce Oliver’s Chippy in Warton, Lancashire as the first-ever Winner of The Peter Hill Award.

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he traditional family-run chippy, owned by Gillian and Arron Jarvis, goes above and beyond to serve its local community, and was deemed a truly deserved winner by the judges for this money-can’t-buy set of prizes – worth over £10,000! The Peter Hill Award was launched by Middleton Foods in memory of its late CEO, Peter Hill, to reflect Peter’s passion for his beloved fish and chip industry. Speaking about the Winner, Ryan Baker, Sales Manager, Middleton Foods says: “It’s with great pleasure we announce Oliver’s Chippy as the Winner of The Peter Hill Award! Peter loved the industry so much and was always keen to support and nurture new talent in the trade he adored. The Peter Hill Award recognises newcomers to the industry, encourages new talent, promotes quality and excellence and allows us to give something back to the trade – Oliver’s Chippy and everything it stands for, really stood out to our judges. We know Peter would be delighted they’ve been chosen as the Winner. Huge congratulations to Oliver’s Chippy.” Oliver’s Chippy was chosen by the judges for its huge community focus and passion, driven by Gillian and Arron’s autistic son, Oliver. The business is disability-aware and promotes inclusivity with its autism-friendly ethos and wheelchair accessibility. In the past year, Oliver’s Chippy has fed over 1,000 local children for free; has helped many food banks; offered a 10% Blue Light discount; and each week run a competition to giveaway two free meals. This is really quite something, especially in the midst of a cost of living crisis, and a spectacular way of supporting its community. As a nominee for the best fish and chips in Lancashire, judges feel this fantastic shop deserves national recognition, firmly putting Fylde on the map! Commenting on their achievement Gillian Jarvis, Owner, Oliver’s Chippy says: “Wow, we’re over the moon to win The Peter Hill Award! We’re enormously proud to be in the fish and chip trade, and we’re delighted our communityfocused shop helps put Warton on the map in Fylde. Our son, Oliver, inspires us every day, and we created Oliver’s Chippy so he has employment or

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if he cannot manage to work in the shop, financial security. We work very hard to operate a small business that cares, and thank everyone who supports us. It’s an honour to win this inaugural Award, which has very special meaning. Thank you Middleton Foods.” As well as the kudos of being announced Winner of the inaugural Peter Hill Award, the spectacular prize won by Oliver’s Chippy is worth over £10,000 and includes – £1,000 worth of Middleton Foods stock; design of their own, ‘own label’ bespoke batter mix; two places at the KFE School of Frying Excellence; two places on the NFFF Fish Frying course; 1-1 ForkedUp training with Calum Richardson, for 3 months; two tickets to the Fish & Chip Shop of the Year Awards 2024 (with hotel accommodation and travel expenses); a years’ support from Middleton Foods very own Batter Boys and additional support for National Fish and Chip Day 2024! The inaugural Award was a hotly run contest, with a staggering number of entries. Five RunnersUp – Angell’s Fisheries, Newark; Anstruther Fish Bar, Anstruther; Harrison’s Fish & Chip Co., Oxford; Jojo’s Van, Stafford; and Toll Bar Fish & Chips, Stoney Middleton – win £100 worth of Middleton Foods stock. Middleton Foods wanted to create something unique dedicated to Peter, who loved seeing new people come into the industry and placed huge importance on raising standards and seeing the trade represented well. The Peter Hill Award is a true legacy to Peter and a special way for Middleton Foods to keep his memory alive. Middleton Foods would like to thank the independent expert judging panel – Fred Capel, Nigel Hodgson and Calum Richardson – as well as KFE and NFFF too, for their support. Middleton Foods, the UK’s leading manufacturer of foodservice pre-mixes, is a family owned and operated business, proudly manufacturing food products in the heart of the UK using modern machinery combined with the latest manufacturing techniques. For further information please call Middleton Foods on +44 (0)1902 608122 or visit www. middletonfoods.com. Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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Merry Christmas to our valued customers from all at Collins Seafoods Eskdale Fisheries

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Wilson's Traditional Fish & Chips

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Ladhar's Fish Bar

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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No Confusion! Fusco Brothers are both frying legends after winning Drywite YFF Award By Austen Dack

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ext year marks 20 years since Stuart Fusco won the Drywite Young Fish Fryer of the Year award, hot on the heels was younger brother, Raymond, who won the award in 2009. Stuart enjoyed a flurry of national publicity, delivered a presentation to the NEODA council and enjoyed a trip to Paris as part of the prize. The following year, in 2005, Quayside went on to achieve the ‘Les Routier Café of the Year.’ 2009 was younger brother Raymond’s turn, aged 21, to win the Young Fish Fryer title, which saw him visit the Kiremko factory in Holland, the Kerry Foods factory and a vast number of nationwide trade shows. The Fusco’s restaurants Quayside and Royal Fisheries went on to win various awards and the family were able to make their next venture and bought Fish Box in Whitby in 2013 setting up the first of its kind, express style shop, with indoor and outdoor seating. In 2014 Quayside entered and won the coveted Fish and Chip Shop of the Year award. This generated further press attention and cemented Fusco’s firmly on the fish and chip map. A year of press attention and opportunities arose and in 2015 the family went on to buy the Whitby Fish and Chips Company fish and chip trailer, attending nationwide, large scale festivals and sporting events. 2016 marked further expansion of Fish Box, this time a shop in Robin Hood’s Bay, following the same model as the Whitby shop. Quayside underwent a refurbishment of the ground and first floor between 2018 and 2020

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

and now accommodates a lounge bar overlooking the harbour. The family have since gone on to launch their own brand of ‘Fusco Brothers’ gelato which Stuart makes himself for the restaurants. In 2005 Stuart joined the committee at the NFFF during which time he helped support their training courses offering top tips and best practise. He became an assessor for the NFFF frying and customer service qualifications and took to the road with a KFE charity campaign to assist shops and fryers who were new to the industry. Since then, Stuart has been on hand to offer advice to other shop owners and aspiring fryers. He is also regularly contacted by the media to offer his thoughts and opinions on relevant topics and has completed a raft of television work, filming with Mary Berry, Countryfile, Freddie Flintoff, Ben Fogle and Jonathan Ross. Raymond went on to cook up fish and chips in Japan, serving up an impressive 1,200 portions of fish and chips a day to the customers of two of the biggest department stores in Western Japan. It’s fair to say that both brothers have seized all the opportunities that have been presented to them following their award wins. Coupled with a strong family network of business support behind them and a great deal of hard work, the family have demonstrated the time and effort spent entering awards can be a catalyst to business expansion. How has winning an award helped your business? Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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Carry On Squeezing! Squeeze The Day With Heinz: PerfectlySized, Compliant Sauces Of Income

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nless you’re slathering your customers’ meals with curry, gravy or beans, they’re likely to want something that gives your food that all-important finishing touch. With 43% of consumers believing that premium condiments make a meal feel more special, getting the right sauce is very important to the enjoyment of their meal. So, with everything else in the bag sorted: fish, chips, sausages, nuggets, the works – all eyes are on you to offer a choice of sauces that give your meals wings. Did you know that Heinz portioned sauces are exempt from the new single-use plastic ban* meaning you can continue to serve your customers without any disruption. To deliver the unmistakeable flavour of Heinz in perfect-sized servings, Heinz’s range is available in a variety of sizes, including SqueezeMe portions. Individually wrapped and sealed, this means there are no concerns about hygiene or food waste. The Heinz SqueezeMe format is also a valuable upsell to regular sachets. In fact, customers will be happy to pay for extra premium flavour. Plus, it has an easy-opening. non-drip pour:

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

ideal for spill-free drizzling while eating on the go. Ketchup holds the top usage spot, with 65% of consumers having used it in the last 3 months. Alongside its iconic tomato sauce, Heinz offers the widest selection on the market - BBQ, Tartare, Mustard, Mayo and more. Alone, or in combination, these are the perfect partners for classic chip shop fare – fish, chips, burgers, sausages, nuggets etc. During research, consumers highlighted Heinz as a brand worth paying more for and seeing it available was reassuring to customers. So, with easily recognisable, colour-coded Heinz sauces, you’re signalling your chip shop’s commitment to quality, keeping the door open to repeat customers. The final take-away: 88% of consumers said they’d be disappointed if Heinz sauces weren’t available. Is that risk you’re willing to take? Stats quoted above attributed to Mintel UK Condiments and Dressings Market Report 2023 Stats quoted above attributed to Kraft Heinz consumer research, Incite Marketing Planning 2019 *UK single-use plastic ban took effect on October 1, 2023, in England.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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SQUEEZE the DAY with

Don’t let the plastic ban squeeze your business. Did you know portioned sauces are exempt from the new legislation?*

Our SqueezeMe portions are a valuable upsell to regular sachets with customers happy to pay extra for premium flavour.

Perfect Shape: Designed for easy handling Easy to Tear Wrap: Customer-friendly packaging Generous Sizing: Ample sauce portions to delight customers Food Waste control: Precision portioning saves costs

Scan to find out more!

Unmistakable Heinz taste: Loved and recognised by customers 37

www.heinzfoodservice.co.uk Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

*Single-use plastic legislation effective from 1 October 2023

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any M . 3 r 202 n the i o d a w w bro e ho for ne a e s s p sho you to iration p i h s c sp . nd help you in a rop t i c h s y s l ’ s l e u t fi ar rea Hopef /or giv his ye ack g D e t . d ten Aus som myself ish an s from d By re d ture atu visited tional c e i f p e ave our na a few hav h e I e t W hem terpre e ar t r e f o s. H s in e n h o i s i d nat

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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! y a r o o H

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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All Together Call the Potato Professionals Today Bridlington Scarborogh Pickering

Pontefract Wakefield Bradford Leeds

Thorne Barnsley Sheffield Doncaster Rotherham EAST YORKSHIRE Goole Grimsby

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Delivering quality potatoes throughout your region

D SH IR E

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Established 80yrs Fixed price contracts available Potatoes replaced within 12hrs in the unlikely event of you being dissatisfied All batches rigorously checked and test fried Ring today for your free sample Area Covered

Lomas Potatoes

01909 562327 (3 lines) 07932 155677 (Andy) (S,Yorks, N,Yorks, Notts)

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allomas@btconnect.com

Come to the Farm for the Isle of Ely Open Day on Sunday September 15th 2024 By Austen Dack

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he event put on by John, Oliver and Claire Boutwood and hosted by (myself) Chippy Chat Publishing Editor Austen Dack highlights the journey the potato makes before it hits shops. It is the culmination of their ‘field to frier’ platform, which this year also included the story of the potato seed too. The day although dedicated to the potato in recent years has taken on the mantle of being a showcase for what’s also best practice in the industry. Some of the best fish and chip shop owners from across the UK presented on the day from a 30-foot impressive AV stage show set up in one of IOE’s potato storage sheds. In 2023 over 100 friers, farmers & suppliers travelled to Ely Cambridgeshire for the 9th annual Isle of Ely Produce & Chippy Chat open day.

Plus, we gave visitors you the allimportant lowdown on the 2023/24 potato crop and how it could affect you in the year ahead with a trip out to see the crop for yourselves. Our featured farmer this year was once again (Dr) Michael Neaverson from Neaverson Growers Ltd. Michael gave the room an honest assessment of the potato crop for the year ahead (before the huge Autumn rainfall).

In 2023 we had some great speakers for you on the day plus lots of great suppliers too including. Austen Dack Host & Welcome Andrew Crook - NFFF President Oliver Boutwood – Isle of Ely Produce Michael Neaverson – Neaverson Growers Ltd Sean Farry – OilChef Sarah Heward – Real Food Café, Tyndrum Nick Hucker – Preoday/Qikserve Victoria Braathen - Norwegian Seafood Council Geoff Whitehead & Andrew Crook – Whitehead’s Fish & Chips/National Fish & Chip Award Champions

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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Now!

For lunch visitors were served fish and chips from the 2023 award winning best mobile Pimp my Fish. The lovely Norwegian cod was supplied by Smales and Seafood from Norway. The chips were made from Babylon and gave the new variety one of its biggest tests yet with over 100 guests all queueing up to try them. McWhinney’s also served their best in Europe sausages plus there was free teas and coffee with homemade cake too.

This open day put on by the Boutwood family and Isle of Ely Produce is a big investment for this industry. Any other suppliers who would like to sponsor/ present and/or have a stand on the day please email austen@chippychat.co.uk We are already planning open day 2024, pencilled in for 15/09/2024. If you would like to attend as a frier or supplier and want details of please in the first instance email austen@chippychat.co.uk Places at the open day are at a premium but thanks to the sponsors still FREE. Have you been to the open day? Let us know your thoughts – email austen@ chippychat.co.uk

In the Evening over 50 stayed in Ely and headed out for a meal and a few beers. It is always good to reserve your hotel rooms in Ely for this early. Thanks again to this year’s sponsors.

Producing Quality Cambridgeshire Potatoes

Piper - Cambridgeshire Markies - Divaa - Agria Potatoes ProducingMaris Quality Our strength–isAgria continuity of supply – Sagitta Maris PiperMarkies – Challenger Call your local wholesaler today

Our strength is continuity of supply ‘Potatoes grown with passion for the more discerning customer’

Contact Isle of Ely Produce, and ask for 00!

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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s d e ing the Se

We look behind the scenes to see how Babylon made the grade! By Austen Dack

Babylones to

Chipping Pota

lon

Join the Baby Empire

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of Love!

Sow

R

ecently I got the chance to visit Agrico in Holland, to help them celebrate their 50th birthday and to see the research that goes on before new varieties such as Babylon get anywhere near a fish and chip shop. The journey of a new seed variety can take up to 12 years, and the pairing of over 150,000 varieties could lead to just one making the journey from seed to frier! I met up with Agrico UK Sales Manager Alex Moore to take a look around. Agrico Research, located in Potato Valley (Bant, Noordoostpolder) in the Netherlands, has its own glasshouse complex of 4,000 m2 that is used for the development of new potato varieties and intensive research. Agrico Research’s breeding process uses the latest insights in genetics and breeding techniques and works closely with affiliated breeders. The breeding company offers these breeders genetic starting material and organises central testing. In a later phase, Agrico Research ensures the propagation of the seedlings that are under selection. The breeding company contains various laboratories for determining cultivation characteristics such as, the frying quality of chipping/crisping varieties and the cooking quality of table potatoes. Intensive research is

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

also being conducted into disease resistance and the desired variety characteristics are examined using DNA marker technology. Many new varieties are tested every year on 30 hectares of trial fields. Next Generation potatoes are the future. Along with its subsidiaries, Agrico works continually to grow in strength for the future. After years of intensive breeding work, in 2018 Agrico became the first trading company to launch a full range of Phytophthora-resistant (late blight) varieties onto the market: the Next Generation potatoes. Agrico frequently adds varieties suitable for various segments to this range. In addition to very high resistance to the world’s most common potato disease Phytophthora infestans (late blight), these varieties have excellent consumption quality and achieve high yields. Agrico works with its customers to make potato cultivation more sustainable and to offer a diverse range in terms of taste, appearance and processing possibilities. Agrico Research works intensively on developing new, innovative potato varieties and is one of the leading knowledge institutes in this field. They work on various breeding objectives aimed at developing varieties to meet the specific wishes of growers, the crisper/chipper & processor and

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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the consumer, both now, in the future and around the world. Babylon has been through this research station and is now being fried and tried by leading fish and chip shops across the UK. It is one of the first varieties that has been both tested by grower and chip shop owner concurrently. Isle of Ely Produce and Chippy Chat have a group of fish and chip ambassadors who have all tested Babylon in their shops. Alex Moore, Agrico UK Sales Manager said: “Our varieties have made up a large proportion of the potatoes supplied to the chip shop sector over the years. However, previously we have had very little interaction with the shops themselves. We are thrilled to be working closely with the Chip Ambassadors to help launch our exciting new varieties. As a business we are always trying to breed better tasting and more sustainable potato varieties. We place a lot of emphasis on product management and this link with the Chip Ambassadors, Isle of Ely and the growers will help us ensure that each area of the supply chain know how to get the best out of Agico varieties, to give the end customer the best chips they can buy. It was great to have Austen in Holland, and show him around our facilities”. Austen Dack Chippy Chat Publisher said: “It was interesting to see just how much work goes into trialling new varieties at Agrico Research. Here at Isle of Ely Produce and Chippy Chat, we will continue to educate our end users with our ‘Field to Frier’ platform. The more the frier knows about the potatoes they are using, the more the consumer buys into the process of what makes great (fish &) chips.” Isle of Ely Produce and Agrico UK are once again sponsors of the ‘Field to Frier’ award at the National Fish & Chip Awards. In 2023 our winner was The Real Food Café from Tyndrum, Scotland. Chip shop owners already signed as Chip Ambassadors for Isle of Ely Produce include Kerry Brennan – Golden Union, David Henley – Henley’s, Richard Ord Jr – Colmans, Eric Snaith – Eric’s, Kelly & Tim Barnes – Krispies, Lauren Kellaway – Kellaways, Fred CapelChez Fred, Josette Foster – Fish and Chips at Weston Grove, Gregg Howard The Chip Shed, Mark Petrou Petrou Brothers, Marcus French French’s Fish & Chips and Sarah Heward – The Real Food Café. If you would like to be a chip ambassador and try Babylon for yourself, please email austen@chippychat.co.uk for further details. 43

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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2023

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