SEAFISH LANDMARK STUDY HIGHLIGHTS STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE OF UK’S FISH AND CHIP SECTOR

Seafish landmark study highlights strength and resilience of UK’s fish and chip sector. Fish and chips continue to hold a unique place in British food culture. More than simply a takeaway meal, they represent tradition, community and one of the UK’s most enduring ways of enjoying seafood.

A landmark new report from Seafish (By Jennifer Robson, Head of Future Readiness) has produced the first comprehensive analysis of the UK’s fish and chip sector, estimating that there are approximately 7,210 fish and chip shops operating across the country.

Supported by the Frozen at Sea Fillets Association (FASFA) and the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), the research provides one of the most detailed snapshots of the industry’s size, diversity and economic importance to date.

Drawing on Food Standards Agency records, Google Maps, food delivery platforms and public online menus, the study explores menu choices, regional preferences, pricing trends, business diversification and the challenges facing operators across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Jennifer Robson, Head of Future Readiness at Seafish and author of the report, said:

“Our report confirms that fish and chips is very much alive and kicking—it remains one of Britain’s most iconic meals, enjoyed by millions every year. We carried out this research to better understand a sector that plays a vital role in local economies and communities and provides consumers with easy access to seafood.”

A sector rooted in tradition but adapting to change

The research confirms that cod remains the dominant choice across most of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while haddock is the preferred species in Scotland and in parts of Yorkshire and the Midlands. Regional favourites continue to give the nation’s favourite takeaway its own local identity, whether that’s curry sauce in many parts of England, gravy in the North, or chip butties—known variously as baps, barms or rolls depending on where you are.

Average prices also reflect regional and market differences. Across the businesses analysed, haddock and chips averaged £10.29, while cod and chips averaged £11.41.

While the traditional fish supper remains central to the sector, menus have evolved considerably. The study found that relatively few shops now sell only fish and chips. Instead, many businesses have diversified by adding burgers, pizzas, kebabs, Southern fried chicken and other takeaway favourites, allowing them to appeal to a broader customer base while responding to changing consumer habits.

Traditional accompaniments remain hugely popular, with mushy peas, curry sauce, gravy, pickled onions and pickled eggs continuing to feature prominently across the country.

Seafood choice extends well beyond cod and haddock

Although cod and haddock dominate, the report highlights an increasingly diverse seafood offering.

Scampi appeared on 484 menus analysed, while fishcakes featured 474 times across England, Scotland and Wales. Yorkshire fishcakes remain popular beyond their traditional heartland, and many shops offer their own recipes using different fish species and coatings.

The study also found growing culinary diversity. Masala fish appeared on menus in 33 businesses, particularly in the Midlands, while fish pakoras were common where fish and chip shops operated alongside Indian, Bangladeshi or Pakistani restaurants. Grilled fish, sometimes seasoned with peri peri spices, also featured regularly.

Other seafood available included plaice, hake, coley, pollock, skate, tuna, sea bass, sea bream, Atlantic salmon, halibut, lobster, crab, prawns, squid, calamari, cockles, mussels, oysters, whitebait and scallops. Many menus also listed simply “fish”, which Seafish believes is often Alaskan pollock or coley.

Overall, the most widely available seafood items across UK fish and chip shops remain cod, haddock, scampi and fishcakes.

Pressures continue to mount

Despite its enduring popularity, the sector continues to face significant challenges.

Rising costs for fish, potatoes, cooking oil and energy are placing increasing pressure on independent operators, while recruitment remains a persistent concern. Many businesses are adapting by broadening their menus or streamlining operations to remain competitive.

These pressures extend beyond individual businesses. Fish and chip shops provide an important route to market for the UK’s seafood industry, supporting processors, suppliers and coastal communities while introducing millions of consumers to seafood every year.

Andrew Crook, President of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said:

“This is a very welcome report. Its findings let us benchmark the sector and start to measure its true economic value. It also highlights just how resilient and adaptable fish and chip businesses are. While challenges exist, operators continue to evolve to meet changing demands—all while preserving a tradition that sits at the heart of British culture.”

Julie Waites, Executive Director of the Frozen at Sea Fillets Association, added:

“We supported Seafish in producing this independent analysis to help the industry, government and wider society recognise the sector’s contribution. The report provides evidence of its current standing and supports greater awareness of its value. Ultimately, it aims to help businesses stay viable while continuing to offer consumers an accessible, nutritious and high-quality source of protein.”

At a glance

The Seafish study found:

• Approximately 7,210 independent fish and chip shops are operating across the UK.
• Cod, haddock, scampi and fishcakes are the most widely available seafood products.
• Haddock dominates in Scotland, Yorkshire and parts of the Midlands, while cod is preferred across most of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Average prices were £10.29 for haddock and chips and £11.41 for cod and chips.
• Diversification into burgers, pizzas, kebabs and other takeaway foods has become commonplace.
• Rising operating costs and recruitment challenges remain the biggest concerns for businesses.

The report demonstrates that while fish and chips remain one of Britain’s best-loved meals, the sector continues to evolve in response to changing consumer tastes and economic pressures. It also underlines the vital role fish and chip shops play in supporting local economies, sustaining seafood consumption and keeping one of the UK’s most iconic food traditions firmly on the menu.

Read Fish Focus’ latest seafood processing magazine.

Image: Seafish