Winners of next month’s National Fish & Chip Awards won’t just earn a trophy — they’ll also secure a spot on an exclusive educational trip to Norway, where they’ll gain firsthand insights into the journey of the country’s cod and haddock, from ocean to plate.
Organised by Seafood from Norway, represented by the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) in partnership with the Norwegian Frozen at Sea group, the three-day trip provides winners with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Norway’s sustainable fishing industry as they travel to Sortland in Northern Norway in June.
Here, they will explore the Norwegian seafood industry through activities ranging from long-term stock management and ocean protection to meeting the people behind Norway’s advanced fishing fleets and wider seafood industry. The highlight promises to be a day-programme onboard Langøy, one of Norway’s renowned frozen at sea vessels, to witness how Norwegian fish is responsibly caught, processed, and prepared for export to the UK.
The winners will follow in the footsteps of those from the past decade who have embarked on the same experience, including Geoff Whitehead, owner of Whiteheads Fish & Chips, who participated in last year’s winners’ trip.
Geoff comments: “Visiting Norway last year gave me a much clearer picture of the work that goes into sustainable fishing. Seeing how cod and haddock are responsibly caught and managed really brought home the importance of sourcing well. It’s something customers are increasingly interested in — they want to know where their fish comes from. Trips like this give us the knowledge to have those conversations and build trust in what we’re serving.”
Organised as part of Seafood from Norway’s long-standing relationship with the UK fish and chip sector, Victoria Braathen, UK director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, comments: “For more than a decade, the Norwegian seafood industry has proudly supported and collaborated with the fish and chips industry through its work with the National Fish and Chip Awards. It’s an honour to once again welcome these skilled award winners to experience firsthand where and how Norwegian cod and haddock are sourced—demonstrating the lengths Norway goes to ensure the highest quality produce is exported to and enjoyed by British fish and chip shops across the UK.”
Describing the trip as a “unique experience”, Andrew Crook, president of The NFFF, adds: “Being able to tell the story of where their fish comes from — and the journey it takes to get to their plate — really adds value. It also strengthens the bond between operators and suppliers, which is what makes our industry so special.”
The winners, and therefore those who will gain a place on the trip, will be revealed at The National Fish & Chip Awards on 26th February at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.
