Julie Waites, executive director at the Frozen At Sea Fillets Association (FASFA), reflects on 25 years of the trade association
This year marks a significant milestone for FASFA; the trade group was founded in September 2000, therefore, this year marks its silver anniversary.
Boyd Line were the first drivers. The late Thomas Boyd and Tim Cartwright-Taylor founded the association, along with others who are still active members today. Their goals were to bring together importers and catchers of frozen at sea fish, to collaborate on quality, and to promote frozen at sea cod and haddock fillets.
There was a strong drive for uniformity to help with the collaboration. This early period saw much practical testing conducted on packaging improvements, the cut of the fish, and quality improvements through better handling. This was hugely successful, and quickly resolved and drove the quality mindset, which FASFA is immensely proud to promote to this day.
The association has continued to develop, and its main output is to provide the facts and positive messages regarding frozen at sea cod and haddock fillets from the North Atlantic and Barents Seas. And to raise trade awareness of the high quality products that its catchers and importers provide.
The executive director in charge is responsible for driving this forward, with the cooperation of the Board of Directors. Following the late Tim Cartwright-Taylor, who was executive director and secretariat from 2000 to 2011, came former Seafish CEO John Rutherford, who was succeeded by Malcolm Large in 2019, and Julie Waites from 2019 to the present.
Founder members peaked the membership, but due to mergers and corporate changes, the membership is now half. However, today’s members account for the majority of frozen at sea imports into the UK, including significant vessel owners and international operations from the UK, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Its members have long-standing relationships with many fish and chip business owners, and they frequently visit them in person.
The association collaborates closely with other organisations to promote and strengthen its core themes, working with the National Federation of Fish Friers, the newly formed UK Seafood Federation, the Norwegian Seafood Council, Promote Iceland, Seafish, Defra, the British Frozen Food Federation, and trade media. A highlight in the calendar is National Fish and Chip Day, which celebrated its tenth year in June, and FASFA members supported and created initiatives to promote fish and chips on this day.
FASFA is currently facing price rises and quota reductions as a result of the year class issue. There are uncomfortable debates about prices, but FASFA is seeing some imaginative methods for businesses to maintain margins while weathering the storm. FASFA members who are quota holders and the importers are working closely together to keep prices as fair and realistic as the market conditions will allow.
It continues to be a tough year, with increased food prices, demand on supply, increased running costs and quota reductions. But FASFA remains proactive and focused, driven by increased consumer confidence and technological advancements. The convergence of innovation and sustainable practices will pave the way for new economic opportunities.
As the closing dates approach for the 2026 National Fish and Chip Awards, everyone at FASFA would like to wish entrants the best of luck.
Frozen at Sea fillets continue to be caught in line with scientific and legislative recommendations, so that operators can be sure that the nation’s favourite dish can be served and eaten with a clear conscience, now and into the future.
For more information on FASFA and its members, please visit www.fasfa.co.uk
