Fish and chip shops fighting to create the perfect chip have today (Tuesday 24 November) been recognised as they compete for the From Field to Frier Award as part of the 2016 National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.

The three finalists –

• Kingfisher Fish & Chips in Plympton, Devon
• Penaluna^s Famous Fish & Chips in Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf
  
• The Fish Bar At Sunnybank Road in Crewe, Cheshire
  

will go head to head as they ‘batter it out’ to make the final ‘cut’ and scoop this top award.

To secure a place as a coveted finalist, shortlisted businesses have been appraised across a wide variety of judging criteria with a specific focus on the policies and procedures for the responsible sourcing of potatoes. Shops were also assessed on their potato knowledge, including types and seasonality, and the storage and preparation of the raw ingredients.

Finalists are also subjected to in-depth judging visits from an awards auditor assessing the shops’ front and back of house operational aspects, customer service levels and the quality of the fish and chips. This final stage of competition judging determines the overall winner that will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held in London in January 2016. 

Sponsored by Isle of Ely Produce, one of the UK’s leading potato suppliers, the From Field to Frier Award acknowledges UK fish and chip businesses that excel in potato knowledge and responsible sourcing policies and procedures, as well as their skills in producing the finest quality chips.

Awards sponsor Oliver Boutwood, Director at Isle of Ely Produce, commented: "This award, which is now in its fourth year, has really captured the attention and imagination of both farmers and friers alike and it has become a part of our intrinsic values at Isle of Ely.

"So much so that as part of our sponsorship we hold an annual open day at our premises for potato growers, farmers and trade including friers, to gain further insight into the potato supply process. Attended by over 100 people this year, we really hope our next open day on Sunday 11 September 2016 will be even bigger and better.

"We also organise the world^s only potato street race, with everyone in Ely, Cambridgeshire getting involved and teams sprinting for glory with 20kg potato sack on their backs; it’s a great day not to be missed.

"Overall, I’m so pleased to see that fish and chip businesses are really starting to think about the whole journey of their potato brand. Some even tell customers which field the potatoes used for their chips were grown in! Congratulations to the finalists and good luck.”

Mel Groundsell, Corporate Relations Director of Seafish, said: "The National Fish & Chip Awards showcase a diverse range of award categories that cater for every aspect of running a successful business. However the basics can never be overlooked and the humble chip is an essential component of our favourite takeaway.

"Measuring not only the quality of the chip, this award also recognises the responsible sourcing methods being employed by businesses. With fish sustainability currently at the forefront of many industry discussions, it’s easy to overlook the significance of potato provenance but I’m pleased to report that our fish and chip businesses are showing great diligence in responsibly souring only the best potatoes.

"The finalists all showcased superb passion and pride for bridging the gap between the field and the frier. I’m looking forward to see who comes out on top!”

Culminating in an awards ceremony at The Lancaster London Hotel on 20 January 2016, The National Fish & Chip Awards are recognised as one of the most prominent and respected seafood industry events in the UK. Widely considered as the ‘Oscars’ of the fish frying industry, they celebrate the great British tradition of fish and chips, recognising the best talent, quality and choice offered by fish and chip businesses.