Fish and chip shops may shrink as cod price doubles

Industry leaders say the price of cod has nearly doubled in the past year, and many fish and chip shops are diversifying menus as the number of outlets has fallen to about 11,000.

Traditional fish and chip shops in the UK are facing mounting economic pressures that industry leaders say could make the format more niche over the next five years. Andrew Crook, head of the National Federation of Fish Fryers, said his Euxton shop is one of only a few still serving solely the traditional dish. Many owners are expanding menus to include items such as pizza, kebabs, curry and burgers. The long-term decline in shop numbers is part of the background to the current concerns. Key points: - The article reports that the price of cod has almost doubled in the past 12 months. - Shop numbers are cited at about 11,000 today, compared with roughly 35,000 in the 1920s. - Owners are diversifying menus as a response to rising costs and changing demand, according to industry comments. - Andrew Crook said the Barents Sea cod quota has fallen from about one million tonnes to 340,000 tonnes, and he warned of further quota reductions being announced for 2026. - The piece also notes supply impacts after sanctions on two Russian fishing firms and quotes conservation concerns about cod declines affecting marine food chains. - Official figures cited in the article say the average price of a portion of fish and chips rose to about £9.88, up from £6.48 in 2019, and that the prices of potatoes, battered white fish and cooking oil have risen substantially. Summary: Industry representatives say higher fish prices, supply changes and broader cost inflation are prompting many fish and chip businesses to broaden their menus and are contributing to a continuing fall in specialist outlets. A further reduction in the Barents Sea quota for 2026 was reported as expected to be announced by 12 December, and other supply and cost pressures were described as ongoing. Undetermined at this time.