SMOOTH OPERATORS

The finalists for the Best Multiple Foodservice Operator Award category for the 2014 National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish, have been announced today.

Sponsored by Middleton Food Products Limited, the award allows businesses ranging from pub chains to major supermarket brands that offer a wide variety product range, the chance to have their fish and chip frying skills recognised.

The shortlisted businesses within the cafés sub-category are:

Sainsbury’s. Tesco. BHS.

The shortlisted businesses within the pubs sub-category are:

Greene King (Hungry Horse, Belhaven pubs). Spirit Pub Company.

The shortlisted businesses, each of which has four or more outlets serving fish and chips, will now be judged on a wide variety of criteria relating to their business, including food quality, marketing initiatives, staff training initiatives, and commercial awareness.

Peter Hill, Chairman of Middleton Food Products Limited, said: “Having been involved since the very beginning, Middleton Food Products are once again proud to sponsor the Best Multiple Foodservice Operator Award at this year’s ceremony. The Fish and Chip Awards are a superb way of celebrating the very best of our industry and Middleton Food Products believe that encouraging and supporting all sectors producing our national dish can only promote the product.

“We have seen that healthy competition really helps to raise standards and that all the entrants in this award have shown skill and enthusiasm to produce an excellent product. We congratulate all the finalists in all the categories and look forward to a successful year for fish and chips.”

Paul Williams, CEO of Seafish, said: “This award celebrates outlets that are committed to serving up great fish and chips alongside all the other products and/or services they offer.

“The judging criteria is diverse with responsible sourcing, customer service and staff training procedures amongst the areas assessed. The shortlisted businesses must ensure they excel in every area of their business to be in with a chance of winning. I wish them all the best of luck!”

For more information on the National Fish & Chip Awards please visit: www.fishandchipawards.com