Fish and Chip consumption 2024

The latest Seafish Fish and chips in Foodservice report find the following - there were 36.6 million less fish and chips meal servings served in the last year, down 21%. Fish and chips servings are struggling across all six channels particularly in Fish and Chip Shops where 60% of the servings were lost.

• Fish and chips remain the most popular British dish, 14% of all seafood out of home is from fish and chips.

• Increases in food prices and running costs affecting Fish and Chips affordability.

• Fish and chips have had the steepest price rise of all British takeaways.

• 1 in 5 Brits choose fish and chips as their favourite takeaway. Over half of fish and chips servings out of home is at Fish and Chip Shops.

• Ranked Britain’s second favourite takeaway behind Chinese.

• Socialising is the main motivation for consumers choosing fish and chips out of home.

The cost-of-living crisis continues to impact the market, with consumer confidence, stable across summer, dropping once more as we move into autumn. Although food price inflation slowed, hospitality inflation remained higher than average affecting the affordability of purchases out of home. Fish and chips is struggling to compete against other more unaffordable out of home options. The average price for a portion of fish and chips has risen by more than 50% to nearly £10 in the five years to July 2024.

“As we enter 2025, we are in no doubt that it will be a tough year ahead with increased food prices, fish, potato, and oil, along with increased running costs and quota reductions. But we remain proactive and focused, driven by increased consumer confidence and technological advancements. The convergence of innovation and sustainable practices will pave the way for new economic opportunities” - Julie Waites, FASFA.

Reference: Seafood in foodservice data and insight | Seafish