(qlmbusinessnews.com Wed. 28th Aug, 2024) London, UK —
Why Fish and Chips Are Now the UK's Most Expensive Takeaway
The cost of a traditional fish and chips supper has surged to record highs, making it the most expensive takeaway option in the UK, according to recent data. Over the past five years, the average price for a portion of fish and chips has risen by more than 50%, now approaching £10. This increase outpaces other popular takeaways, with kebabs up by 44% and pizzas by 30%.
Fish and chip shop owners are feeling the pinch from what they describe as a “perfect storm” of escalating costs, including soaring energy prices, import tariffs on seafood, and poor potato harvests due to extreme weather. These challenges have left many families paying nearly £50 for a meal once they've added extras like mushy peas and drinks.
Jon Long, owner of Long John’s Fish and Chips in Dorset, is a third-generation chip shop operator and says he’s never experienced such a relentless increase in costs. His daughter Emma, who recently took over the family business, faces an uncertain future as they navigate these tough economic conditions.
Traditionally, fish and chips have been a beloved staple of British cuisine, with the two key ingredients being safeguarded during both world wars. However, the combination of rising energy bills, sanctions on Russian seafood following the Ukraine invasion, and disappointing potato yields has forced chip shops to hike their prices.
In March 2022, the UK government imposed a 35% tariff on Russian seafood imports in response to the conflict in Ukraine. At the same time, food prices across the country were rising at their fastest rate in over a decade. The recent poor potato harvests have only exacerbated the situation, with experts noting a “dramatic” increase in prices.
Angela Cartwright, who owns Kingfisher Fish Bar in Salford, pointed out that while customers are willing to pay £15-20 for a pizza, they balk at paying similar prices for fish and chips, despite the rising costs of ingredients.
Jon Long emphasised that the current economic climate is the toughest he’s faced in over 30 years in the business, with energy costs, particularly standing charges, being the most significant challenge. These charges have soared since 2021, and Jon described them as “outrageous,” criticising the energy regulator Ofgem for not doing enough to protect small businesses.
Ofgem has responded by introducing new rules to ensure fairer treatment for businesses, but high energy bills continue to be a significant burden. The government has defended its tariffs on Russian imports, arguing that they are necessary in the current geopolitical climate, and has pledged to develop further support for local takeaways, including reforming business rates.
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