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Cod Prices Double: Chippies Risk Becoming 'Niche' By 2029
3 Jan
Summary
- Fish and chip shops face extinction within five years due to rising costs.
- Cod prices have nearly doubled in the past 12 months, impacting profitability.
- Many shops now offer pizzas and kebabs to survive the economic pressures.
Traditional fish and chip shops in Britain are on the brink of becoming a niche product, with potential disappearance from high streets within the next five years. Rising operational costs, particularly a doubling of cod prices over the past 12 months, are forcing many establishments to consider radical menu changes. Thousands of chippies are now diversifying to include items like pizza, kebabs, and burgers to stay afloat.
Industry leaders point to a convergence of pressures, including the escalating cost of fish, increased competition from diverse takeaway options, and the proliferation of delivery apps. The historical significance of fish and chips, with over 11,000 shops currently operating compared to 35,000 in the 1920s, is under threat. Some owners compare the situation to butchers in the 1950s, where only those offering premium products and service survived.
Further exacerbating the issue are supply chain disruptions, including reduced cod quotas in the Barents Sea and sanctions impacting Russian fishing firms. This has led some takeaways to experiment with alternative whitefish like pollock and hake. The average price of fish and chips has already risen significantly, with inflation impacting potatoes, oil, and energy costs, creating a challenging environment for these iconic British businesses.
