WELSH CHIPPY CROWNED SUSTAINABILITY ‘CATCH OF THE DAY’ AT INDUSTRY AWARDS

Welsh chippy crowned sustainability ‘catch of the day’ at industry awards. The National Fish & Chip Awards came to a fantastic conclusion with TV presenter Matt Baker announcing Finney’s Benllech in Anglesey as the winner of the acclaimed Environment and Sustainable Business category.

The fish and chip industry gathered to celebrate the best in the business for not only their commitment to responsible product sourcing and environmental approaches but also the impressive efforts being made to significantly improve operational practices across multiple areas.

Finney’s Benllech cleaned up in the assessment rounds devised by sector veterans, with its standout take on how to successfully run a business while keeping the impact on the immediate and wider surroundings at the forefront of its activities. Clear demonstration of a resilient business model, employee welfare, investment in resources, waste control and ethical procurement were just some of the criteria the chippy scored highly in.

Having now earned the recognition that its environmental footprint is as light as the batter on its superb menu, Michael and Carol Hulme, owners of Finney’s, say: “We are incredibly proud and deeply honoured to be recognised with this award – an achievement that means so much to us. Representing Anglesey on a national stage and bringing this accolade home to Wales is a moment of immense pride for our team.

“At Finney’s, our passion for the fish and chip industry drives us to innovate while honouring the heritage of Britain’s favourite dish. Beyond great food, we are committed to reducing waste and making responsible choices for the environment. Working by the sea, we believe it’s only right to do our part in protecting it. From using environmentally friendly cleaning products to taking steps that minimise our impact, sustainability is at the heart of our business. We are truly grateful for this recognition, which motivates us to keep raising the bar for our industry – one portion at a time.”

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which arranges the awards ceremony says that Finney’s Benllech is going above and beyond to ensure it maintains sound environmental credentials, with sustainable business awareness to match:

“The fish and chip industry is well-versed with high-quality fish sourcing that aligns with greater preservation of nature but the urgency on applying a sustainability mindset to all parts of our businesses is increasing.

“The NFFF along with our partners and the supply chain have been encouraging shop and restaurant owners to really push themselves to be just as conscious in this area and we’re delighted that the message is being eagerly embraced. Pisces in the Wirral, Merseyside and Two Gate Fisheries in Barnsley, Yorkshire were the other amazing finalist contenders and we’re delighted that Finney’s Benllech has become the 2025 recipient of the Environment and Sustainable Business award.”

Principal sponsor for the awards and the category is Seafood from Norway. Victoria Braathen, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, expresses her admiration for the new winner. “It’s truly inspiring to see the dedication Finney’s Benllech has shown in implementing sustainable business practices, and on behalf of Seafood from Norway, I extend our heartfelt congratulations. As category sponsor, we couldn’t be more proud to see sustainability take centre stage for such a talented operator – especially as responsible practices in the fish and chip industry become increasingly important.

“We look forward to welcoming Finney’s Benllech and all the winners to Norway, where they’ll experience the journey of their seafood from ocean to plate and see firsthand the lengths Norway goes to uphold responsible sourcing and maintain the highest quality at every stage.”

For over a decade, the Norwegian seafood industry has proudly supported the fish and chip industry through the National Fish & Chip Awards. This year, Seafood from Norway will again welcome award winners to an exclusive study trip to Norway for an immersive three-day experience, highlighted by a day program aboard Langøy, one of Norway’s advanced frozen-at-sea vessels. This trip underscores the shared commitment to sustainability and excellence between Norway’s fishing industry and the UK’s fish and chip community.

For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.