Why are UK fish and chip shops closing?

Shops are closing due to rapidly increasing costs of ingredients like cod and potatoes, alongside rising energy prices and competition.

Will fish and chips disappear from Britain by 2029?

Industry leaders warn that traditional fish and chip shops could become 'niche' or vanish from high streets within the next five years if current pressures continue.

What is causing the cod shortage affecting fish and chip shops?

The shortage is linked to reduced fishing quotas in the Barents Sea and sanctions on Russian fishing firms impacting supply.

Home / Business and Economy / Cod Prices Double: Chippies Risk Becoming 'Niche' By 2029

Cod Prices Double: Chippies Risk Becoming 'Niche' By 2029

3 Jan

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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.

Cod Prices Double: Chippies Risk Becoming 'Niche' By 2029

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.