A POPULAR Welsh fish and chip operator has been crowned the winner of the Environment & Sustainable Business Award at this year’s National Fish & Chip Awards (NF&CA) – the ‘Oscars’ of the fish and chip world. Beating tough competition from Pisces in Wirral and Two Gate Fisheries in Barnsley, Finney’s in Benllech, Anglesey, took the top prize for its outstanding commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainable business practices. To celebrate their win, Seafood from Norway, represented by the Norwegian Seafood Council and sponsor of the Environment & Sustainable Business Award, will host Finney’s – along with all other category winners – on an educational trip of a lifetime to Sortland, Northern Norway, later this year.
Since opening its doors 16 years ago, Finney’s has been proactive in implementing sustainable practices at its shop. Now, almost two decades later, the Welsh fish and chip business places sustainability at the heart of its operations. Demonstrating its commitment to the environment, Finney’s has phased out all single-use plastics and has introduced a popular cash back scheme for customers who reuse old bags when buying from their shop. A central part of Finney’s sustainability approach is also reflected in the products they source, ensuring the fish they serve is responsibly caught.
For over a decade, Seafood from Norway has collaborated with the UK’s fish and chip champions, celebrating the craftsmanship and dedication of operators who excel in delivering this iconic British dish. The trip provides winners with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Norway’s sustainable fishing industry and the journey of premium-quality cod and haddock from ocean to plate.
This year’s host will be Langøy, a Norwegian Frozen at Sea member vessel owned by Prestfjord, part of the Holmøy Group. The winners will have the opportunity to witness how Norwegian fish is responsibly caught, processed, and prepared for export to the UK.
Victoria Braathen, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, commented: “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.”
Andrew Crook, President of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), added: “For operators in this industry, there’s nothing quite like seeing where their fish comes from, and we’re pleased that this year’s winners will have the chance to do just that again in Norway.
“The trip offers a valuable opportunity to meet the people behind Norway’s seafood industry and gain a deeper understanding of the care that goes into sustainable fishing — from how the catch is brought on board to how it’s handled and processed.”
He continued: “It’s a unique experience that winners can take back to their shops and share with their customers. 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.”
Ida Holmøy, business development manager of Holmøy, representing Langøy, said in her welcome message to the awards’ finalists: “We are excited to welcome this year’s National Fish and Chip Award winners to a memorable program onboard Langøy in Sortland.
“We look forward to showing them the journey of our Norwegian cod and haddock, from the cold, clear waters of Norway to the fish and chip shops across the UK.
“This visit is a great opportunity to share our commitment to quality and sustainability with the iconic fish & chip operators and their customers.”
Geoff Whitehead, owner of Whiteheads Fish & Chips and winner of the 2024 Environment and Sustainability Award, reflected on last year’s winners’ trip: “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.”
This educational trip not only celebrates the long-standing seafood partnership between Norway and the UK but also provides an invaluable platform for knowledge sharing and relationship building among fish and chip operators. Bringing together the best in the industry, the event serves as a celebration of shared success and a showcase of excellence in the sector.
