National Fish and Chip Awards

V.A.Whitley are, and have been, a proud sponsor of the National Fish & Chip Awards from its start!! Now in their 39th year, the National Fish & Chip Awards recognise and reward businesses producing the best fish and chips across the UK. The Awards aim to support the wider fish frying trade in its effort to maintain and develop market share in the quick service/takeaway/fast food market - and seek to:

- reward individual excellence in a range of different Award categories.

- raise quality standards and provide a benchmark for businesses to aspire to (performance feedback is provided to all entrants).

- provide a robust platform from which to undertake a wide variety of media activity promoting the sector and its many diverse facets, and to encourage the continued consumption of fish and chips amongst both the UK population and visitors to the UK.

There is a variety of Award categories to enter and businesses are appraised on criteria ranging from sustainable sourcing practices, customer service, hygiene and staff training, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, the quality of fish and chips.

The National Fish and Chip Awards were started in 1988 by Seafish.  After a two year break due to the pandemic they were handed over to the National Federation of Fish Friers in 2022 with the first post pandemic awards taking place in 2023.

Why enter the Awards?

- Entering the Awards is easy and the accolade of being judged one of the best fish and chip businesses in the UK can have an enormous positive impact on businesses. Previous Award Winners have seen their sales increase by up to 100% within weeks of winning.

- Media activity undertaken by Seafish in relation to the Awards generates fantastic publicity for the fish and chip sector.

- Various judging rounds eventually culminate at a prestigious Awards ceremony in London in January where all the Award Winners are announced.

Boost to Business

The accolade of being shortlisted in the Awards can have an enormous positive impact on business - previous Regional Winners’ of the flagship Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award category have seen their turnover increase by up to 50% and some past National Winners have seen their turnover increase by as much as 100%!

However, at every stage of the Awards there are fantastic local PR and marketing opportunities for businesses just by being part of the Awards.

Travel and Learn

In a number of Award categories, shortlisted businesses also have the opportunity to join various all-expense-paid industry study visits, providing the opportunity to learn more about where our seafood comes from. Previous visits have included trips to destinations including Norway and North East Scotland.

Many awards are run by events companies as a business, the NFFF run these awards on a voluntary basis to benefit the fish and chip industry.  The robust judging process means that not only do these awards promote brand fish and chips but also help to significantly raise standards and operating practices across the industry.

They are also FREE to enter and all finalists will receive two complimentary tickets for the awards ceremony.

AWARD CATEGORIES...

The National Fish & Chip Awards encompasses a variety of different Award categories:

Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award

Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award

Newcomer of the Year Award

International Fish & Chip Shop of the Year Award

Field to Frier

Fish & Chip Mobile Operator

Marketing Campaign of the Year

Environment and Sustainable Business Award

Menu Innovation Award

NFFF Quality Accreditation

Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award

Industry Emplyee of the Year

Community Engagement Award

Supplier of the Year

Outstanding Contribution to the Industry