England’s renowned figure, Sir Geoff Hurst, has joined the campaign to support traditional British fish and chip shops, which are facing closures at a rate of two per day due to escalating costs.
The beloved fish and chip takeaways are under significant strain, with hundreds of shops now up for sale as the surge in expenses squeezes owners nationwide. Factors such as soaring energy bills, increased staffing costs, higher prices for cod and haddock due to global fishing issues, and the overall cost of living crisis have put immense pressure on business margins over the last 18 months.
Speaking on National Fish and Chips day, Sir Geoff emphasized the importance of patronizing these establishments, stating that the closure of thousands of chippies is imminent if support wanes. Industry leaders advocate for including British-sourced fish like hake, coley, monkfish, rock salmon, and sea bass on menus to shield takeaways from the instability of imported fish.
The football legend urged fans to make fish and chips their go-to dish during the World Cup to back the national team. He highlighted the impact of rising costs on these shops and called for their continued patronage to sustain their existence.
Partnering with Poppies Fish & Chips, Sir Geoff introduced the ‘Sir Geoff Hurst Hat-trick Special’ meal to rally support for fish and chip shops across the country. He stressed the cultural significance of enjoying fish and chips while cheering on England, contrasting it with the trend of opting for pizza, burgers, or nachos on matchdays.
Despite the country having 10,000 chippies, industry leaders fear that half of them could disappear within a few years, with 1,500 closures in the past three years. Efforts are being made to promote British-caught seafood to bolster the fishing industry and ensure a resilient food supply chain.
The collaboration between seafood advocates and fish friers aims to leverage UK resources to tackle supply chain challenges and benefit local businesses, fishermen, and coastal communities. This partnership is seen as a crucial step towards safeguarding the future of fish and chip shops and supporting the domestic fishing sector.