More than half of the UK's fish and chip shops could face closure by 2025 due to spiralling costs, according to recent concerns raised by those in the industry.
With June 2 marking National Fish & Chip Day, fans of the British classic have been urged to show their support for their local chippy while they still can. Price hikes on fish, oil, potatoes and energy are leaving many owners struggling to stay afloat, and it's predicted that the 10,500 shops across the country could be down to just 5,000 within the next two years.
Vinegar firm Sarson's expressed fears for the future of fish and chips, suggesting that Brits get two more chippy takeaways each year in a bid to save the industry. Chippies first appeared in the UK in the 1860s, and by 1930 there were 35,000 – more than triple today's number, The Mirror reports.
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A Sarson's spokesman said: "It's no secret our chippies are facing turbulent times. Half of all chip shops are at risk of closure within the next two years because of rising ingredients, energy and operational costs." The vinegar firm has now launched "Fryday", which will see it give away free portions of fish and chips every Friday until next February in a bid to support the industry.
It comes after figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) earlier this month showed that the price of fish and chips has shot up by almost a fifth within the past year. The data showed a surge in takeaway food and dining, with the cost of an average takeaway fish and chips jumping by 19% to £9.
Brits eat around 380 million portions of fish and chips a year, spending £1.2billion on the dish. But shop owners have also expressed concern that the iconic establishments could disappear in their hundreds amid the cost of living crisis.
National Federation of Fish Friers Andrew Crook, who owns his own chippy in Lancashire, added: "Fish and chip shops are so deeply entrenched in our culture and history, the thought of them disappearing is unimaginable. But given the threat of closure, this may become a bleak reality. From rising cost to operational challenges chippies face, our national dish is in danger."
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