The future of the nation’s favourite dish

Fish and chips is a loved favourite amongst Brits, a nostalgic comfort that families connect with. Whether enjoyed as a Friday night tea or a lunchtime treat, almost everyone has tried this option. However, as the cost of ingredients spiral, and other economic challenges continue to press business owners, organisations such as The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) remains steadfast in the storm, creating a unified voice that can be heard by the Government. Here, the NFFF outlines its commitment to the industry, how it works to safeguard fish friers and encourages sustainability within the sector.

The NFFF is the trade association representing and supporting the fish and chip community in the UK. While the association campaign for the industry concerns, it also supports the chippies to stay ahead of time and prioritise the highest service standards. The NFFF provides to its members a range of services that range from best HACCP practice, business management and staff retention, with a focus on greater sustainability. While supporting industry innovation, the NFFF reinforce the community by connecting owners young and old and encouraging the passage of skills, forging new legacies and bridging the past with the future. Alongside frying skills and business planning, a central aim of the federation is to ensure the voices of fish friers are heard, which is why the organisation deals closely with government departments, and collaborates with organisations to help shape legislation that directly affects fish and chip businesses.

The fish and chip shop owners are usually family run businesses operating in a very competitive market in the hospitality sector. The many challenges that businesses have had to face relentlessly over the last two years, made lobbying and having a unified voice more fundamental than ever before.

Starting a business in the current economic climate requires both privilege and sacrifice, making it increasingly difficult for those who would have been ideal small business owners in the past. It is clear that the industry is struggling with the effects of economic fluctuations and the rising cost of ingredients, particularly fish, which has led to the closure of some shops. This is further exacerbated by the increasing cost of living and commercial inflation. The hospitality sector heavily dependent on suppliers and diners has been challenged also by farmers forced to grow more affordable crops to keep afloat.

Despite industry-specific challenges, and the changing tastes of consumers, fish and chips remains a strong Friday night favourite among the many takeaway cuisines. Aiming to protect this national landmark, the NFFF works with its members to help advise on diversifying menus and expanding the dishes they serve to stay relevant and competitive. A successful business will always pivot, and the NFFF works hard to identify opportunities for its members and help them to implement necessary change responding to the many changes in the Government agendas, such as calories labelling on menus.

In the interests of remaining at the forefront of customer’s minds, in the next few years, new future challenges identified by NFFF are; the importance of sustainability, as businesses and customers alike feel the importance of responsibly sourced ingredients, amidst the backdrop of climate change. Followed by the way we order fast food fish and chips at the click of a button - this will become commonplace alongside your favourite chinese takeaway – as many businesses have already begun to offer online click and collect services, as well as looking at delivery channels. Movements like this show that the industry is modernising, and that in itself creates enormous potential for positive changes.

Although the fish and chip industry is facing significant challenges, there is also a lot of opportunity. The heritage of fish and chips connects with Brits, and the spin on traditional dishes seen by many modern, exciting fish and chip owners helps put a twist on a true classic. All industries face tough times, but the strength in the struggle often prevails, creating a stronger, better outcome in the end. This is what the NFFF champions, and with the federation closely by the side of fish friers, the future still remains bright for the nation’s favourite dish.