The average price of a portion of cod and chips in the UK has reached £11.41, while haddock and chips costs slightly less at £10.29, according to new research from Seafish, the seafood industry body. The report, the first of its kind to gather detailed data on the sector, highlights rising costs for essential ingredients such as fish, potatoes, cooking oil, and energy as significant pressures on fish and chip shop operators.

There are approximately 7,210 fish and chip shops in the UK, which continue to play an important role in connecting consumers with a variety of seafood options. Cod, haddock, scampi, and fishcakes remain the most common menu items, with regional preferences influencing fish choice: haddock is predominant in Scotland and parts of Yorkshire and the Midlands, whereas cod is more popular elsewhere across the country.

Faced with increasing operational costs, many shops are adjusting their business models. Some are diversifying menus by adding items like kebabs, pizzas, or masala fish, while others are narrowing offerings to boost efficiency and manage expenses. This adaptability reflects ongoing efforts to sustain the sector amid economic challenges.

Jennifer Robson, the author of the report, emphasized the continuing cultural significance of fish and chip shops, noting that the sector remains “very much alive and kicking” and serves as a vital link between the public and a broad range of seafood beyond the traditional choices, including plaice, skate, and pollock. She highlighted the importance of the industry not only to local economies and communities but also as a way for consumers to access diverse seafood options.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, welcomed the report as a useful benchmark for understanding the fish and chip trade’s economic contribution. He pointed to the resilience and ongoing evolution of fish and chip businesses, which balance maintaining a beloved British culinary tradition with adapting to market and cost pressures.

Overall, while the increased costs are challenging for operators and consumers alike, fish and chip shops continue to adapt, reflecting their enduring role in British food culture and the wider seafood market.