The UK’s top three fish and chip businesses excelling in menu development and innovation have been revealed today as part of the 2020 National Fish & Chip Awards.
Organised by Seafish, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry, the awards are the UK’s premier awards for fish and chip businesses.
The three business shortlisted as finalists for the Menu Development and Innovation Award are:
- Sutton & Sons (dishes pictured), with branches in Stoke Newington, Islington and Hackney in London
- Fish City Belfast, Belfast
- Penaluna's Famous Fish & Chips, Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf
The Menu Development and Innovation Award is open to all fish and chip businesses - including independent shops/restaurants or multiple groups – in the UK. The award acknowledges fish and chip businesses that excel in educating and informing their customers on dietary and healthy eating choices and the nutritional values of fish and chips.
Judges looked for evidence of menu development and innovation when promoting healthier options. They also assessed customer health awareness methods and employee training procedures focusing on dietary requirements, ‘free from’ products, allergens and ingredients knowledge.
Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, said, “The Menu Development and Innovation Award recognises businesses that go above and beyond to showcase the nutritional value of fish and chips. These three outstanding finalists are a credit to the industry and have worked hard to create menus which highlight versatility on a variety levels including healthy options and dietary requirements.
“In addition to excelling in this category, each finalist is committed to serving the highest quality fish and chips whilst educating customers on the many nutritional benefits of eating fish and shellfish. We wish them the very best of luck in the final.”
A portion of fish and chips can also contribute towards one of the recommended five a day portions of fruit and vegetables if mushy peas are included. It can also be one of the recommended two portions of fish a week that we should all be eating as part of a balanced diet.
Fish and chip shops and restaurants cater to a diverse range of lifestyle and health choices by providing small portion size choices, gluten free options and various types of fish species. Innovation is key for many businesses, with fish and chip shops constantly evolving and adding varied and interesting options to their menus.
The winner of the Menu Development and Innovation Award will be announced at the 32nd National Fish & Chip Awards’ ceremony in London on 23 January 2020.