HOSTING THE WINNERS: CELEBRATING THE BEST IN BRITISH FRYING

Hosting the winners: Celebrating the best in British frying. Read Fish Focus latest publication focusing on Seafood from Norway.

In June, Seafood from Norway, in collaboration with Norwegian Frozen at Sea, welcomed a new wave of the UK’s top fish and chip shops and industry stakeholders on an unforgettable educational journey to Sortland in northern Norway. The trip marked more than a decade of this collaborative initiative, which celebrates the enduring bond between Norway’s fishing industry and the UK’s beloved fish and chip sector.

Held from 17–19 June, the three-day programme immersed the 2025 National Fish & Chip Awards winners – across all award categories – in Norway’s fishing culture and seafood supply chain.

The trip has become an iconic part of the awards experience, offering winners a rare opportunity to witness the provenance, care, and sustainability behind the whitefish that anchors
their menus.

As headline sponsor of the National Fish & Chip Awards, and proud supporter of the Environment and Sustainable Business Award, Seafood from Norway  continues to champion excellence and
sustainability across the sector.

This year’s group included award winning operators, representatives from the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), the Frozen at Sea Fillets Association (FASFA), invited industry stakeholders, and members of the media. They were warmly welcomed by the Mayor of Sortland, Grete Ellingsen, and hosted by local hosts Holmøy Maritime.

The itinerary offered a rich mix of educational and cultural experiences. Expert briefings with the Norwegian Fishing Vessel Owners Association and the Norwegian Coast Guard provided valuable insights into Norway’s world leading fisheries management system.

A video message from Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, reinforced the importance of the UK market to Norway’s seafood sector.

A standout moment was a voyage aboard Langøy, a Norwegian Frozen at Sea member vessel owned by Prestfjord, part of the Holmøy Group. Onboard, guests experienced first-hand the
craftmanship and sustainable practices that define Norway’s whitefish industry.

“The sea has always been at the heart of life here in northern Norway,” said Knut Holmøy, CEO of Holmøy Group. “As a family-owned company with deep roots in the local community, Holmøy is
built on generations of dedication and a profound respect for the ocean that sustains us.”

Beyond the voyage, the itinerary offered a rich mix of cultural and operational insights. A visit to the historic fishing site of Sildpollen gave guests a taste of tradition, where they enjoyed the
local speciality saithe mølje. While some participants tried their hand at fishing in the fjord, others visited the Holmøy offices and whitefish storage facilities, gaining a close look at the day-to-day
operations supporting the region’s seafood industry.

The trip concluded with a tour of the Holmøy production facility – a state of-the-art facility – showcasing the innovation and care that underpin Norway’s seafood exports.

Victoria Braathen, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, reflected on the experience:

“It was a great pleasure to host the winners of the 2025 National Fish & Chip Awards in Sortland to celebrate their achievements. “This year marks more than a decade of collaboration between Seafood from Norway and the UK’s iconic fish and chip industry. The trip provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties while showcasing the care and commitment that goes into delivering the high-quality Norwegian whitefish used by fish and chip operators across the UK.”