UK Fish and Chips Crisis: Rising Cod Prices Force Restaurant Closures
The increasing costs of cod, alongside various other issues, are leading to restaurant shutdowns and a decline in the popularity of fish and chips across the UK. Once a beloved dish, the price for a serving has risen to an average of 10-11 pounds (12-13 euros), pushing the cost of a family meal from 28 to 44 pounds. According to the National Federation of Fish Fryers (NFFF), 47% of business owners express "extreme concern" for their futures, with 20% expecting to close within a year. The number of fish and chip shops has plummeted from 25,000 in 1930 to just 8,000 today. Factors such as the Ukraine conflict, escalating costs of ingredients, and a VAT increase to 20% in 2022 are contributing to this trend, while younger consumers lean towards more affordable options like pizza or Chinese cuisine.
Fatti principali
- Fish and chips was long the UK's most popular food, partly due to its affordability
- Prices of cod and haddock have risen sharply, forcing restaurants to raise prices
- 47% of NFFF members are "extremely worried" about their business future; 20% expect to close within a year
- UK fish and chips outlets dropped from about 25,000 in 1930 to 8,000 today
- A portion cost about £7 (€8) in 2019; now averages £10/11 (€12/13)
- A family of four's fish and chips dinner out rose from £28 to £44
- In 2025 the EU sanctioned two Russian fishing companies in the Barents Sea, disrupting supply
- 18 kg of cod cost about £160 in 2023 and £330 now, per NFFF president Andrew Crook
- Operators are switching to cheaper fish like yellow cod, black cod, and monkfish
- VAT on restaurants returned to 20% in 2022 after pandemic reductions to 5% and 12%
- Younger generations prefer Chinese food or pizza, which now cost less
Entità
Artisti
- Andrew Crook
Istituzioni
- National Federation of Fish Fryers
- NFFF
- European Union
- Il Post
Luoghi
- United Kingdom
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Norway
- Barents Sea
- Europe