Faroese fishing company JFK recalls the historic and sublime moment when it hosted a grand reception at The Speakers House in the House of Commons on the eve of the National Fish and Chip Awards 2025
A total of 150 guests were present on the evening of Tuesday 25th February when Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of Parliament, took to the podium and welcomed the guests to an event organised JFK, NFFF and FASFAÂ to the House of Commons.
This is probably the first time that a dedicated Faroese event has been held at this historic site in the Parliament building. In addition to the Speaker of Parliament, a number of Members of Parliament were also present, as well as a number of key figures in the UK seafood industries.
Jógvan Hansen, sales and marketing director, also gave a speech in which he thanked the Speaker of Parliament for the opportunity to host in this historic venue. He referred to the strong ties that were forged between the Faroe Islands and the United Kingdom during World War II, and which are just as strong today. JFK has been selling fish to the UK for more than a hundred years.
A film was also shown that told the story of how the Faroese sailed to Britain with fish during the war, and how this helped to ensure that fish and chips were one of the few products that were not rationed. Strong stood the words of Winston Churchill: “Let us never forget the Faroe Islands whose fish helped feed us during the Atlantic blockings and at such great sacrifice.”
Rupert Howes, chief executive of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), also delivered a speech. In addition to being the director of the MSC, Rupert Howes is an award-winning environmental researcher, and he commended JFK for their work in delivering fish that meet international standards.
After the film, Faroese singer Lena Anderssen performed three songs and even got the chairman of Parliament to sing along. All the guests went away with gift bags, which included a film with the story of Gadus in it, and also a special package from brewery Føroya Øl, which was very popular among the guests.
Jógvan Hansen said after the event that JFK had put a lot of effort into making this event a success, and that he was pleased that the reception was as spectacular as it was, adding: “The British market is a key market for us. So this was a truly unique occasion and we couldn’t have dreamed of a better reception than the one we received this evening.”
