As the year draws to a close and the holiday season approaches, Seafood from Norway is reflecting on the standout moments of 2024, celebrating its collaboration with the UK’s iconic fish and chip industry
The year began with the crowning of the National Fish and Chip Awards (NF&CA) winners, organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) in February. As headline sponsor of the awards and category sponsor of the Environment and Sustainability Award, this milestone event in the fish and chip calendar set the tone for the year, celebrating excellence among operators of all sizes and experience levels. After months of extensive judging, 15 well-deserved category winners were announced, claiming their spots among the industry’s elite.
In early summer, Seafood from Norway was honoured to once again support National Fish and Chip Day, organised by the National Edible Oil Distributor’s Association (NEODA). Coinciding with the UK’s D-Day celebrations, the day saw industry stakeholders coming together to commemorate and serve up the nation’s favourite dish.
Ahead of the highly anticipated trip to Norway later in the year, Seafood from Norway hosted an ‘Inspiration Day‘ for the NF&CA winners, along with some of the Young Fish Frier of the Year finalists. Marking the wider industry’s achievements and exploring innovative approaches to the future of fish and chips, the event at Westminster Kingsway College (WKC) featured a tour led by Head Lecturer José Souto and Head of School Paul Jervis, showcasing the college’s emphasis on provenance and sustainability in hospitality training. A round-table discussion with previous NF&CA winners explored future seafood trends in the fish and chip industry, including a presentation by Norwegian Seafood Council researcher Lars Mokness on top consumer trends.
The day concluded with a reception at the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence, where Ambassador Tore Hattrem honoured the winners’ contributions to the sector and highlighted the strong seafood partnership between Norway and the UK. Michelin-starred, Seafood from Norway Chef Ambassador Michel Roux and NFFF President Andrew Crook closed the event with a collaborative session.
Educational trip
With summer in full swing, Seafood from Norway and the Norwegian Frozen at Sea group welcomed the 2024 NF&CA winners to an educational trip of a lifetime to Norway. The seafood study trip immersed the winners in Norwegian fishing culture and gave them the opportunity to witness first-hand where and how their produce is responsibly caught in Norway’s cold, clear waters. Kickstarting the trip were a series of talks by NSC, Norway’s Institute of Marine Research, and the Norwegian Fishing Vessel Owners Association.The trip highlight included a voyage on one of Norway’s largest frozen-at-sea vessels, Østerfjord, which gave the award winners the chance to experience the cutting-edge processing techniques and facilities that give Norwegian frozen at sea whitefish its premium status and a tour of Brødrene Sperre, one of Norway’s leading producers of frozen at sea whitefish.
Joining forces to celebrate the iconic fish & chip industry
With November, Seafood from Norway has organised one final celebratory initiative for the 2024 NF&CA winners: the Fish & Chip Winner’s Week. This initiative will honour the 2024 Fish and Chip Awards winners through social media takeover and special engagement activities, focusing on their stories and achievements in the lead up to the awards.
Looking ahead to 2025, Seafood from Norway is proud to once again be the headline sponsor of the National Fish & Chip Awards. The ceremony, set for February, will celebrate 15 new frying talents for their outstanding contributions to the sector. While many categories have closed, there is still time for operators to submit applications for the Environmental & Sustainable Business Award, for which Seafood from Norway is the proud category sponsor.
Known for its rich fishing heritage and practices refined over generations, Norway is a wellspring of pioneering sustainability—an area of growing interest within the UK’s fish and chip industry. As this sector evolves to meet consumer demand for transparency around seafood origins, Seafood from Norway is thrilled to support the hard-working operators who align their businesses with sustainable practices. The deadline for entries is the 25th of November, and businesses across the country are encouraged to apply!
Geoff Whitehead, winner of last year’s Environmental & Sustainable Business category and owner of Whitehead’s Fish & Chips, comments: “In the fish and chip sector, and the broader hospitality industry here in the UK, it’s crucial for operators to take sustainability seriously and communicate their sustainability credentials effectively to customers. Now more than ever, people want to know where their food comes from, and operators who go the extra mile in sourcing the best will reap significant rewards.
“I know the upfront investment and hard work it took to transition our business to greener alternatives, but there are major benefits down the line for those who do. At Whitehead’s, we wish all those entering this category the very best of luck.”
On the Environmental and Sustainable Business category sponsorship, NSC UK director Victoria Braathen said: “Responsible practices in the fish and chip industry have never been more important, and it’s inspiring to see growing awareness from so many businesses and their customers around this topic. Seafood from Norway shares the category’s dedication to promoting the use of responsibly sourced seafood and enacting tangible changes to business practices aligned with protecting our environment. Good luck to all those entering—we look forward to working closely with the winner in the new year!”
On Seafood from Norway’s work with the wider industry throughout 2024, Victoria continues: “Looking back at the year’s highlights, it has been wonderful to follow the industry’s successes and working alongside the operators and stakeholders that make up this iconic industry. Despite the continued challenges, the passion and dedication they display every day is inspirational. As we move into 2025, we’re excited to continue our valued partnerships with industry stakeholders and of course, the many talented operators, distributors, and media championing fish and chips across the UK. 2025 will bring in a fresh wave of frying talent, and we look forward to supporting and nurturing their efforts as they step into the spotlight.”
For more information about sustainably caught cod and haddock from Norway, visit www.seafoodfromnorway.co.uk.
