Fish and chip businesses that champion sustainable sourcing practices are being celebrated by the National Fish and Chip Awards. Today sees the announcement of the top three shortlisted finalists for the Good Catch Award, one of 14 categories in the prestigious annual competition organised by Seafish to recognise and reward excellence in the fish and chip industry.

The Good Catch Award is open to fish and chip businesses which champion sustainable fish from sourcing to serving. It tests businesses on their knowledge, use and promotion of sustainably sourced fish and links with certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

The three businesses which have netted a place on the 2020 Good Catch Award shortlist are:

• Fish and Chips at Weston Grove, Chester
• Paignton Pier Chippy, Paignton, Devon
• Penaluna’s Famous Fish and Chips, Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf

The judging criteria assessed sustainable sourcing policies; with a focus on traceability and awareness of best practice in use of fish and shellfish produce, as well as customer service, staff training, market intelligence and wider marketing and promotional activity.

Marcus Coleman, CEO of Seafish said: “Responsible sourcing is hugely important in the seafood industry, so it makes perfect sense to celebrate the fish and chip businesses that champion sustainability at the National Fish & Chip Awards. The shortlisted finalists have all demonstrated what’s possible when businesses take a proactive approach and promote the importance of sourcing fish in a sustainable way, helping us all enjoy fish and chips for generations to come. Well done to them all for their excellent work to date and best of luck in the next stage of the competition.”

The award is supported by the Marine Conservation Society and the Marine Stewardship Council.

Samuel Stone, Head of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “The standard of entries in the Good Catch Award this year were exceptional, with each of the shortlisted businesses going the extra mile to demonstrate their commitments to sourcing seafood sustainably. They all made great use of  the available resources like the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide to learn about where and how their seafood is produced and how sustainable it is, which was fantastic to see. They have set a great example of what can be achieved when businesses put sustainability at the heart of what they do. Congratulations to the finalists!”

Loren Hiller, UK & Ireland Commercial Officer of Marine Stewardship Council, added: “Every year, the judging for the Good Catch Award gets more difficult, but many congratulations to the shortlisted businesses that clearly put sustainable fish sourcing at the heart of their fish and chips. We look for fish and chip shops who champion the MSC label showing a commitment by providing fully traceable and sustainable fish and chips. By using the blue fish label, they make it easy for their customers to eat the right seafood and have a positive impact on future generations.”

Over the coming weeks the three businesses will be judged again for consistency in their product and customer service. The winner of the God Catch 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.