Today the National Fish & Chip Awards turns its attention to the perfect quality chip with the announcement of the UK’s top three fish and chip business which champion the use of responsibly sourced, high quality potatoes. Each of the finalists has secured a place on the shortlist for the From Field to Frier Award, one of 14 categories in the 2020 National Fish & Chip Awards.

Organised by Seafish, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry, the National Fish & Chip Awards is a prestigious annual competition which celebrates excellence in the fish and chip industry.

The top three finalists in this category represent the best in the UK. The shortlisted businesses (in alphabetical order) are:

• Fish and Chips at Weston Grove, Chester, Cheshire
• North Street Chip Shop, Forfar, Angus
• Yans Fish Bar, Cardiff, South Glamorgan 

The From Field to Frier Award category is open to fish and chip businesses which showcase fantastic potato knowledge and an ability to produce the finest quality chips. It recognises and rewards businesses for their use and promotion of high quality produce from across the UK as well as their knowledge of potato varieties, seasonality and preparation practices.

The judging criteria also assesses awareness of best practice in cooking the perfect chips as well as menu development and innovation, customer service, staff training, market intelligence and wider marketing and promotional activity.

Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive Officer at Seafish, said: “The National Fish & Chip Awards take great pride in celebrating fish and chip businesses, including one of the most essential components of the nation’s favourite takeaway - the humble chip. With fish sustainability currently high on the agenda with industry and consumers, it’s easy to overlook the significance of potato provenance. Excellence in this award starts with sourcing the right potato. This award not only measures the quality of the chip, it also recognises each business’ efforts to source responsibly, providing customers with traceable and sustainable products. We wish all of the finalists the best of luck for the final.”

The From Field to Frier Award is sponsored by Isle of Ely Produce.

Oliver Boutwood, Director at Isle of Ely Produce, commented: “The From Field to Frier Award continues to capture the attention and imagination of both farmers and friers alike. Great quality potatoes are at the heart of our business, so much so that we hold an annual open day event at our Cambridgeshire premises, attended by representatives and award winners from across the industry, where attendees gain valuable insight into the potato supply process.

As the sponsor of this award, it’s heartening to see so many forward-thinking fish and chip businesses placing importance on the responsible sourcing of their potatoes and allowing their customers the chance to learn more about where the potatoes they are eaten were grown. Congratulations to the finalists”.

Over the coming weeks the three businesses will be judged again for consistency in their product and customer service. The winner of the From Field to Frier Award will be announced at the 32nd National Fish & Chip Awards Ceremony in London on 23 January 2020.

For information on all announced awards shortlists, please visit https://www.seafish.org/article/finalists-and-winners

To keep up to date with news of forthcoming awards announcements and results visit: https://www.seafish.org/fish-chip-awards or follow: @FishNChipAwards on twitter - #FishnChipAwards.