Chippy Chat and Fast Food Magazine - Feb 23

I n

P r i n t

O n

L i n e

I n

www.chippychat.co.uk

V i s i o n

austen@chippychat.co.uk

TEL 01353 658216

Issue 2 Volume 13 February 2023

1

Magazine • February 2023 Down Under Chippy withChat & Fast FoodGetting to Know Sheila & Bruce Your Potato People

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Top Chippies to visit the Whitefish Nation

1

Thorough Bread Winners!

Chicken Train breaders just got better

T

o meet the increasing demand for fried chicken, Kerry Foodservice has extended its Chicken Train range of breaders with the addition of Southern Fried Light and Crispy Breader.

Offering the same great Southern Fried flavour that the brand is known for, this new variation is lighter in colour and texture and offers a crispier bite, giving fish and chip shops the option to tailor their chicken offering to their customers’ preferences.

Used alongside Chicken Train’s MILDIP before pressure cooking, Southern Fried Light and Crispy Breader gives a deliciously crisp and even coating to a range of chicken products, from breasts and burgers to wings and strips. These can be served as they are or, for a more premium offering, added to sandwiches, wraps and tacos and loaded with sauces and toppings.

With additional opportunities opening

2

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

up to serve fried chicken - particularly breakfast, lunch and sharing/snacking appetisers, Chicken Train’s Southern Fried Light and Crispy Breader helps shops tap into these by bringing versatility to the menu from noon till night.

Karen Heavey, Brand Manager at Kerry Foodservice, says: “When it comes to offering southern fried chicken, the texture and flavour of the breader is a critical part of the eat. It has to be right, which is why we’ve created Southern Fried Light and Crispy Breader so that those customers that prefer a lighter bite can enjoy the great taste of southern fried chicken too.”

Chicken Train Southern Fried Light and Crispy Breader is low in salt and is available in 12.5kg recyclable packs. It joins Southern Fried Chicken and Southern Fried Hot in the breadings range.

Chicken Train 0800 138 1938 www.kerry-foodservice.co.uk Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

2

3

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

3

GET YOUR FREE TRADE SHOW TICKETS!

T Austen Dack

Publishing Editor

he Fry-It Show from Friars

our first potato feature of 2023!

Pride are once again are our

We also announce the last of the

front-page partner this month.

finalists for this month’s National

Everyone at Chippy Chat is

Fish and Chip Awards too!

looking forward to attending

Everyone at Chippy Chat is also

Friar’s Pride trade show at the

looking forward to attending

Peterborough Showground. The

Innovations VA Whitely’s trade

all-important date for this annual

show at the Bolton Football

trade exhibition is Sunday 5th

stadium on 19th February and

March 2023. FREE tickets are

Henry Colbeck’s ‘What’s Cooking’

available now.

Show on March 26th in Harrogate.

Once again, we look at the new

Thanks to all contributors &

breed Babylon from Agrico

advertisers. If you would like to

which is making huge strides as a

feature your shop or products,

chipping variety in shops across

please email me at austen@

the UK. We also look at other

chippychat.co.uk

potato providers and breeders in

Say growth, say

Chippy Chat Ltd Oak Lane Littleport Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1RS

Agrico.

Specialist breeder and supplier of high grade seed potatoes, bringing new and innovative chipping varieties to the fast food trade.

www.chippy-chat.co.uk info@chippychat.co.uk Twitter @Chippychat Facebook Chippy-Chat TEL 01353 658216 FAX 01353 863 444 Managing Director John Boutwood

Babylon...

• High yielding • Superb taste • Premium yellow chip • Consistent fry quality • Long term storability

Why not ask your local supplier today!

Call: 01307

840 551

Email: potatoes@agrico.co.uk

www.agrico.co.uk @agrico_uk @AgricoUK

4

Austen

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Publisher Oliver Boutwood oliver@chippychat.co.uk Publishing Editor Austen Dack austen@chippychat.co.uk 07863123929 Design/Editorial Stuart Catterson Accounts Claire Boutwood-Potter accounts@chippychat.co.uk Advertising Sales and Promotions austen@chippychat.co.uk For PR and Editorial editorial@chippychat.co.uk

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

4

I’m in Love

Amazing figures from loyalty App revamp?

The January Sales!

6 7 8 10 12

Inside

February 2023

Sheila (& Bruce) take a Bow!

Great offers as we headed into the New Year

Diary Dates

Australia’s best fish and chips have been revealed!

Business or pleasure, dates not to be missed

FRY I.T. is returning home to Peterborough!

It’s Showtime!

Come and join the Babylon Empire!

Growing for Gold!

Meijer looking for the perfect chipping potato for YOU!

Bring on the Oscars!

Award winning pre-cut chips!

Chip Leaders!

Why you should ask for IOE potatoes?

Be Prepared!

Fantastic Prepared Fresh Chips!

Future Proofing the Planet... ...with Potatoes

What’s Cooking? 2023it’s HarroGREAT!

The Heat is On! Chippy 1st to Provide Warm Space

Hew’s the Best Range!

Peter’s Fish Factory harbours great feelings for Hewigo

Super Normal?

Game Changing Seafood From Norfisk!

Innovations is Back!

Touch, Taste and Try...

Five Stars!

Final 5 announced forSupplier of the Year at theNational Fish & Chip Awards 2023

5

14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Moby Chip!

The finalist in the Best Mobile Operator at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023

38

Chip Shops to Norway

UK’s best fish and chip shops to embark on a study trip to Norway – The Whitefish Nation

40

Come and join us!

Isle of Ely Produce and Chippy Chat are once again opening their doors to chip shop owners and managers

42

Es 30 tab Ye lish ar ed s

It’s Coming Home!

36

Frying Range Engineers Servicing all makes of ranges, covering East Anglia, East Midlands & London/M25 Annual Range Servicing • Insurance Certificates Duct Steam Cleaning • Repairs • Modifications

• • • • •

Refurbished / Rebuilds / New Traditional & Dutch Makes Extraction Systems & Ductwork Shopfitting Design & Refurbishment Fire Damage, Repairs & Upgrades

For prompt, efficient service please call:

01553 772935

sales@klsonline.co.uk Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023 In association with

Frying Ranges

5

I’m in Love!

Amazing figures from loyalty App revamp?

A

merican-inspired restaurant chain, Fridays, announced the launch of the ‘Stripes Programme’ loyalty scheme, set up to reward customers for their individuality Stripes can now be earned on all menu items, giving customers the chance to earn points for eating the food they like, rewarding their behaviour rather than

WE HAVE SUPPLIED INBUILT SUPERPAD SYSTEMS (TRIPLE FILTRATION) FOR FACTORY FITTING TO: MARTYN EDWARDS FRANK FORD KIREMKO (KFE) HENRY NUTTALL SCOTRANGE EDEN RANGE

WE HAVE ALSO RETRO-FITTED BASKET FILTRATION AND SUPER PAD UNITS TO SHOP INSTALLED RANGES. PLEASE CALL FOR ADVICE ON YOUR RANGE

6

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

spending. Fridays customers can redeem up to £150 worth of free food and drink in a year, making the programme one of the best money-back loyalty schemes on the market.

Updates to the programme include: • Earn your Stripes: Customers can earn one ‘Stripe’ for every £1 spent on all menu items. All Fridays favourites are available from just twenty-five stripes • Member benefits: Access exclusive ‘Celebration Treats’ throughout the year for Stripes members, including Birthday and Half-Birthday celebrations, where you can get free cocktails for you and up to five friends twice a year • Unlockable pins: Earn rewards tailored to individual tastes, such as: o Lunchtime legend pin – Bonus stripes for visiting three times during weekday lunchtimes o Weekend winner pin - Bonus Stripes for visiting after 8 pm at weekends Importantly Since the revamp, the app has seen a 75% uplift in downloads. The Stripes Programme follows industry trends and data that suggest a move away from traditional rewards schemes in the hospitality industry, and instead value guest loyalty and behaviour, enabling all to earn points on the things they love. Fridays is committed to using data and insights to inform its strategy to ensure ongoing growth and loyalty of its customers.

Rhiannon Scarlett, Chief Marketing Officer, comments: “We are extremely proud to announce the ‘Stripes Programme’ at Fridays, as a continuation of our rebrand. The changes made reflect market trends for simplified reward schemes with an easier-toaccess value proposition. Customers now have immediate accessibility to the scheme and can earn instant rewards, through a programme that is far more tailored to individual preferences. The scheme enables us to reward individuals’ behaviour rather than just what they spend in store.”

Tell us how you reward loyalty.

Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

6

The January Sales!

Some great offers as we headed into the New Year

L

ots of shops and suppliers have been busy in January with promotions for their customers. On this page we have highlighted a few to give you examples of how you can perhaps lift sales at a quieter time of the year!

McWhinney’s Sausages have led the way thus far in 2023 with the start of their £125,000 giveaway to help celebrate 125 years in business. Our picture was taken at Fisher’s of Hunstanton as they gave away across the week a free portion of sausage and chips with every portion of fish and chips ordered from their takeaway! Clearly this offer went down well with both humans and man’s best friend alike!

J Henry’s Fish and Chips of Hedge End were serving a double New Year delight with their Cod Special coming in at just 500 calories. When you consider that a Chicken and Bacon Sandwich from a supermarket works out the same calories……We know which we would rather. Also don’t forget with Fish & Chips you get a good source of Fibre, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Omega 3, Zinc and Calcium too! All for ONLY £5.99 too.

Plus they were offering to feed a family of 4 for just £9.99, which at this time of hardship is a fantastic offer indeed.

7

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Over in Wales Penaluna’s Famous Fish and Chips were offering a great new children’s deal. They said: “We know things are tougher than usual atm so we’re keeping this deal going for the next few weeks.” Small bottle of pop (as in photo) Sausage and chips in a cup for only £2 Meanwhile The Bearded Sailor created 23% off button on the till for their subscribers, which will allow 23% off their spend £10 throughout the rest of January and February.

Frydales have been running a ½ price chips promotion offering the same portions and quality whilst saving money.

Bennetts were offering a very good 30% off all pre-orders between 17-22 January As a New Year treat for their local customers, Harlees Poole Quay were offering 50% off food items ordered though the Harlees app or via the website for collection only plus walk ins and restaurant orders (not through 3rd party platforms) on Wednesday 18th January, Thursday 19th January & Friday 20th January I myself was out and about doing my best for the chip shop economy by eating at both Poppies in Camden and Henry’s at Hunstanton.

What offers have you been running?

Email austen@chippychat.co.uk

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

7

Diary Dates Business or pleasure, dates not to be missed...

6-12 March 2023 British Pie Week Pie Week falls in the first week of March. Pies have been in existence since about 2000 B.C. and have been loved by the British since the 12th century.

26 March 2023 What’s Cooking

2023 What’s Cooking 2023 Henry Colbecks annual

19 February 2023 Innovations 2023

fish and chips exhibition for fish and chip shops, takeaways, fast food outlets, caterers, hospitality and more. Harrogate.

VA Whitley would like to invite you to Innovations 2023 the Premier Exhibition for the Fish & Chip trade in the North West of England and Wales.

Bolton Stadium.

May 15 – 21 May 2023 National Vegetarian Week National Vegetarian Week is run by

28 February 2023 National Fish & Chip Awards The ceremony for the National Fish and Chip

the Vegetarian Society, a UK charity.

2nd June 2023 National Fish & Chip Day

Awards 2023 will take place on the 28th of

Neoda’s National Fish & Chip

February 2023, at the Park Plaza in Westminster.

Day is about giving fish and

Good Luck to all finalists.

chips the recognition it deserves and helping to secure its position as the nation’s favourite dish.

5 March 2023 Fry It 2023 Friars Pride annual show returns to the Peterborough Showground in 2023. With lots of

3 – 9 July 2023 Great British Pea Week

new ideas and fantastic stand holders it will be

Yes Peas! is continuing its mission

one of the industry events of the year.

to inspire everyone to cook and eat peas.

Keep up to date with trade events by visiting www.chippychat.co.uk and clicking on events. If you’re organising an event and would like to send us details so that we might mention it here and/or on the Chippy Chat website email your details to - austen@chippychat.co.uk

8

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

8

9

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

9

IT’S COMING FRY I.T. 2023 is returning home to Peterborough!

P

roudly brought to you by Friars Pride, our trade show FRY Innovations in the Trade (FRY I.T.) 2023 is returning to the East of England Arena for March 5th, 2023. Friars Pride are elated to be able to invite you to join them in their return home to Peterborough.

What is FRY I.T.?

FRY I.T. is designed with fish friers, takeaway, restaurant and caterers in mind, and this year promises to be the best show yet! Going from strength to strength over the past decades; the trade show offers you the opportunity to meet manufacturers and suppliers to the industry, taste test products before you buy and get yourself up to date with the latest products, developments, and information in the trade.

What You Can Expect FRY I.T. puts your favourite suppliers front and centre - celebrating the products they help us in providing you, with exclusive promotions and a priceless opportunity to taste and try a wide range of products.

Our previous FRY I.T. trade show boasted an impressive number of returning and new suppliers with over 70 stands. Anything a fish and chip shop could want, was all there in one place – it had FAS fish, frozen goods and sauces, packaging, drinks and even frying ranges and Epos systems.

Alongside some incredible exhibitors at previous FRY I.T. shows, such as Rammi, 42nd Street, Middleton Foods and Kerry Foodservice, the trade show had the likes of Chippy Chat from trade media, while NEODA shared information about National Fish and Chip Day – a hallmark occasion of our wonderful industry, and an event that Friars Pride are delighted to be joint headline sponsors of for 2023.

10

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

10

HOME! FRY I.T. 2023 promises to see just as many returning exhibitors and many new faces to show off the latest innovations in the trade. A list can be found below of some of the confirmed exhibitors, with more to come!

Youngs Seafoods Pacific West LiteBite ClasSeaCo Fri4Life & Fresh Oil FriWite Meadowvale Keejays Saica Blakeman’s Fry Magazine Chippy Chat Fishermans Mission NFFF McWhinneys Middleton Foods Middleton Paper KFE Ltd NH Case Meijer Potato 42nd STREET Kerry Ingredients Ltd Huhtamaki

Rammi Drywite Duncrue Innovate Foods Ltd Mizkan Euro Ltd Wherry and Sons Coveris Pukka Pies Ltd Vimto Fylde Fresh Ltd Whitby Seafoods Kara Foodservice No-Fli Amipak KFE Ltd Kraft Heinz Sams Natural Kitchen Saica Refresco The Curious Vegan Co Pic-A-Chic Smith & Bateson Coca-Cola

More Than Just an Exhibition FRY I.T. never fails to impress, and 2023 will be no exception. Friars Pride will have incredibly informative sales representatives dotted across the hall ready and happily willing to answer any of your queries and questions about the products and deals on display.

The Drywite equipment shop will also make its much-anticipated return.

The shop, which allows people to buy equipment and items on the day will be a popular attraction on the show floor with many shops getting their hands on new items and pieces of equipment that’ll most definitely level up their businesses so make sure to check it out!

Everyone in the Industry Coming Together!

Don’t miss out; get your free tickets today and make the most of the exclusive promotions, innovations and information that will be available at the show.

All you need to do to register for your tickets is to head to the Friars Pride website and go to the FRY I.T. tab at the top of the page. Alternatively, you can register by searching “FRY I.T. 2023” on Eventbrite or by following any of the links on FRY I.T. 2023 social media posts on any of the Friars Pride social pages.

We can’t wait to see you at the East of England Arena, Peterborough, for FRY I.T. 2023!

Contact Us If you require any help with registering for your tickets or if you have any queries, please feel free to contact us.

You can email marketing@friarspride. com or contact your Telesales Agent or Area Sales Manager.

11

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

11

It’s Showtime!

Come and join the Babylon Empire!

By Austen Dack

12

B

abylon are set to hit the road again as we take the chipping variety to Bolton first for the VA Whitely Innovations show and then to Harrogate for Henry Colbeck’s What’s Cooking? 2023.

Customers attending both shows will be treated to a range of food samples, entertainment and advice from industry leaders during the daylong events as well as it being a great opportunity for networking and support.

At VA Whitely popular pre prepped supplier PG Chips based in Bury will be supplying the Babylon. They will be fried by the team from Duncrue Food Processes. Duncrue Food Processors Ltd produces a full range of Dripping products, from traditional yellow Dripping, refined white de-odorised Dripping to the top of the range Premier Jus used in the food manufacturing trade.

Suppliers for packaging, oils & fats, frozen at sea fish, equipment, frying ranges and frozen foods will flock in from across the UK and Europe to attend the trade shows.

Here at Chippy Chat & Isle of Ely Produce, we will be once again be at both shows sampling the Agrico chipping variety Babylon to the thousands who turn out across the days.

Isle of Ely Produce have been promoting a Chip Ambassador role to promote the great British Chip in association with Agrico and Babylon. The aim will be to carry on and extend the good work promoting chipping potatoes at their hugely successful open days, and through the ‘Field to Frier’ award.

The Chip Ambassadors will become part of an UK wide group of shop owners and fryers who will promote best practice

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Babylon

toes Chipping Pota

Join the Babylon Empire

for potato buying, storing, and of course frying. The chain will also include key growers too like PJ Lee & Sons, and A. L. Lee Farming Company, as IOE looks to nurture the relationships they have grown across the whole supply chain over the last forty years.

Oliver Boutwood Isle of Ely Produce Director said. “It was great for us to be at the shows this year in Bolton and Harrogate trialling Babylon. It is important for shops all over the UK to try Babylon for us to get the results we need for the variety.”

Alex Moore National Sales Manager for Agrico says: “It is nice to see Babylon going on tour once again and be tried by so many shops. We were very happy to see the variety sampled across the UK by some of the best chip shops and get the same positive results.”

The shows sandwich The National Fish & Chip Awards, which are being held in London on Tuesday 28th February.

Isle of Ely Produce and Babylon are a joint sponsor of the Field to Frier award which will crown the shop who have demonstrated the best knowledge of chip choice, preparation and storage in the judging process.

The top three business shortlisted are: Pier Point Fish & Chips, Torquay Fiddlers Elbow Fish & Chips, Leintwardine The Real Food Cafe, Tyndrum The VA Whitely Show held at the football stadium in Bolton is on Sunday February 19th 10-4 What’s Cooking 2023 will be held at the Great Yorkshire Showground Harrogate on Sunday March 26th If you would like to try Babylon and become a chip ambassador, please email austen@chippychat.co.uk Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

12

13

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

13

Growing for Gold!

Meijer looking for the perfect chipping potato for YOU!

A

s we head into the later part of the potato storage season, potato growers are drawn towards planning next season’s crop.

Seed deliveries are well underway, and as I write this the planting of ‘new potato’ crops is underway in the earliest areas of Cornwall. For Chipping potato growers, planting of early season varieties like Accord won’t take place for another month. But seed still needs to be chitted, land prepared, and equipment checked, so there’s plenty happening. All the while, they are still working their way through the storage crop, and in these current wintry conditions it’s vital that they monitor their stores to avoid any chilling of the potatoes which will massively affect the fry colour of the sample.

The varieties delivered will also start to change, with a shift into those that hold fry colour more reliably up till the new crop arrives. Established names like Agria and Markies will become more available, also Meijer’s recent addition Lady Anna – making a name for itself as a variety with consistent fries along with a superb taste and bite.

To find a new variety for late season frying, it presents potato breeders with many specific challenges - a consistent, reliable fry colour the obvious starting point when we are making selections.

The variety needs to remain dormant in store, also not be prone to bruising when handled at harvest and in these cold conditions. Many other challenges for growers to avoid field issues like slug and wireworm damage are a factor – basically everything required to deliver you a clean, low waste, reliable sample. With chemical

14

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

use such a big issue for growers, with limited products available and wanting to reduce their use anyway, Meijer Potato are determined to find solutions. Lady Jane is a variety that is receiving great feedback from chip shops as a tasty chip that looks great too, farmers are loving the blight resistance and tolerance to heat and drought too, and also trade experts who commented recently in the UK press (type in the link to read more) inews.co.uk/news/why-super-potatosave-british-fish-chip-shops-1922818 Meijer Potato are also trialing many new varieties with what we hope can provide even better solutions for the future of the industry. We look at hundreds of thousands of seedlings annually, hoping that maybe one or two are suitable. All are tested to look at their qualities against the current market leaders, stored in different climate chambers to test them in various conditions, challenged to grow well in fields prone to pests and diseases, we then bring only the best to you, hoping that they can make our favourite takeaway even better!

Meijer Potato UK will once again be present at the FryIT event in Peterborough on 5th March, with Lady Jane samples for you to try, we can’t wait to see everyone again!

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

14

We are passionate about potatoes and their potential

For decades Meijer Potato has been breeding only the best varieties to suit the demands of the market.

We focus on ensuring reliable fry appearance, texture and flavour to give you a premium product. Helping you to deliver the perfect chip that both looks and tastes great!

Everybody deserves to enjoy food.

We are Meijer Potato

Accord Early favourite, white fries and that fresh new season taste

Bayfield Brecks Barns, Garden Lane Letheringsett, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7DZ Tel: 01263 710602

15

Lady Anna Great taste, less waste, premium fries

Lady Terra A whiter fry with dry matter to extend that new season feeling

info@meijerpotato.co.uk www.meijerpotato.co.uk



Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

15

Award winning pre-cut chips!

PG Chips have been lovingly producing the finest pre-prep chippy chips for you since the year 2000. They help you to reduce overheads, take the worries of buying potatoes away along with the preparation of them, maximising shop space, with no waste to dispose of & 100% yield in every bag. Also no worries about staff turning in for preparation and holidays to cover or illness etc.

We are pleased to announce that not only are we a sponsor of the National Fish & Chip Awards 2023, but we also serve 6 of this years nominated top 40, and amazingly have three shops in the Top 10! Good Luck to them all in the final on February 28th.

PG Investment We have invested each year in new equipment, vehicles, facilities, and staff.

This has resulted in a state-of-theart production facility with full metal detection, starch recovery system, vacuum packaging, potato waste recovery with compacter and holding refrigeration along with all our vehicles being refrigerated. All our potato waste is collected and processed into animal feed.

Local authorities will be getting stricter with what goes down your shops drain in the future and will require specialist equipment that is likely to not only be expensive but will also leave you with approximately 5kg waste from each 25kg bag to then dispose of!

With a six-day shelf life if stored correctly in a refrigerator and deliveries in 16

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

most cases taking place three times per week, you should never have any waste.

Although we are not currently available nationwide WATCH THIS SPACE. We currently deliver to the following areas.

Greater Manchester Lancashire Merseyside Cheshire Yorkshire Humberside North Staffordshire North Derbyshire North Wales Cumbria Scottish Borders Lothian

Some of our Award-Winning & Nominated Shops Mark Drummond Town Gate Fisheries Outstanding Achievement Award Winner 2018, NFFF Quality Award Champion Award 2018, Healthy Eating Fish & Chips Award Winner 2015 and 2017 As we are a busy but small shop space is at a premium. Using PG Chips freed up valuable space previously used to do potato prep. If stored and used correctly they are identical quality to doing your own and no more expensive when you take staff time into account.

David Miller Millers, Haxby – Takeaway of the Year 2018 PG Chips are an excellent chip, very consistent and very sustainable. They fry very well and taste excellent. I find that Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

16

they are very cost effective, saving you water, power, wages, cleaning, servicing of equipment and time. Paul is very proactive in making sure that his customers are happy. One of the best decisions we have made as a business.

Max Potts – Mr Chippy, York – Top 40 Shop 2023 PG run a fantastic service. Their pre-cut chips arrive fresh, and we could never go past their use by date so there is no

waste. One day we forgot to order they still delivered our average amount and helped us out immensely. They use great potatoes & varieties mainly from Isle of Ely, and we would recommend them to anyone.

Alex Papaioannou– Bearded Sailor, Pudsey – Top 10, 2023 The PG chips service is fantastic, they have never let me down and Garry (our delivery driver) has gone above and beyond to help us when we have needed it. The quality of the chips are really good and if we ever have any issues, Paul (the owner) deals with them swiftly.

David Nicolau - Auckley Friery – Top 10, 2023 We have been with PG Chips for around 3 years now and we have found them to be excellent. We used another company around 20 years ago when the concept was new, and they were not great. But a conversation with the great David Miller convinced me to look again. I am glad I did as with PG we have earned Fry Top 50 3 years on the go and are now Top 10 in the UK for the National Fish and Chip Awards.

There is no mess, no hours of prep with your hands in ice cold water and most of all we are saving on electricity and staff wages. Not forgetting the environmental waste issues preparing your own chips in house brings. We have found the switch to pre-cut chips to be ultimately cost neutral to our business. We wouldn’t go back to doing our own in-house prep.

Jonathan France – The Fish Bank, Sherburn – Top 10, 2023 I’ve been using PG Chips for over 3 years.

17

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

The product is fantastic, with the right variety chosen for the specific time of the season ensuring our customers are having the best chips possible. I’ve visited the factory and seen the state-of-the-art technology in place with great environmental standards. Faultless delivery operation: Always on time and bags rotated in the refrigerator. A product we highly recommend.

Dan Edwards from Chips @ No 8 – TOP 20, 2023 When we opened, just over 4 years ago, we were rumbling and chipping our own potatoes. We were instantly much busier than I expected and soon realised I didn’t have the space, the time, nor the inclination to spend so much of my working day preparing chips and cleaning down.

Switching to PG Chips has been the best business decision I’ve made to date. Their chips are always of the highest quality, delivery is fuss free and professional and Paul is always available for advice if I need it. I really can’t fault them.

“PG Chips are an excellent chip, very consistent and very sustainable. They fry very well and taste excellent. I find that they are very cost effective, saving you water, power, wages, cleaning, servicing of equipment and time” David Miller Millers Fish & Chips Haxby paul@pgchips.co.uk 07930 370440 Elton Fold Mill, Bury BL8 1FZ

@freshpgchips

www.freshcutchips.co.uk www.precutchips.co.uk Chippy & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023 “When the best useChat the best!”

17

Chip Leaders!

Why you should ask for IOE potatoes?

By Austen Dack

18

I

sle of Ely Produce is a family-owned business, ran by the Boutwood family (John, Oliver & Claire) since 1994 however their involvement in the potato industry stretches back even further, with around 50 years experience.

The founders are passionate about the business and although long established, still have plans for continued innovation, environmental development, and growth.

Over the last ten years they have developed one of the biggest marketing platforms within the fish and chip industry.

Called Field to Frier they have carefully nurtured every aspect of the supply chain all the way from the seed potato to the consumer.

Oliver Boutwood Isle of Ely director enthuses “From Field to frier” is a collaboration between seed developers, farmers, merchants, fish friers and ultimately the chip shops customers. We have invested lots of time and effort into educating our sector.

IOE supply potatoes to multiple sectors including markets, restaurants

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

and takeaways through wholesalers and merchants. One of the principal marketplaces is the fish and chip sector.

We place over 2 million bags of potatoes into fish and chip shops a year. We market/ promote some of the biggest chipping potato farmers, varieties, and brands in the UK. What we wanted to do was to get closer to the end user, the customers of the nation’s 10,000 fish and chip shops.

First, we became an associate member of the National Federation of Fish Friers and started to attend their meetings in Leeds.

Then we looked at setting up a platform linking the whole supply chain. Teaching the chip shop owners best practice and giving farmers an idea of what it takes to run a fish and chip shop.

From there Isle of Ely invested into sponsorship of the National Fish and Chip Awards. A Seafish awards programme, where never before had there been an award levelled at chipping potato knowledge. Winners had to show care in storage conditions, variety choice,

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

18

seasons, stacking and of course frying the ultimate chip. In this the tenth year (now under the wing of the NFFF) of the award we can look back on many brilliant winners all advocates of empowering this knowledge During the early days IOE also purchased this fish and chip publication Chippy Chat which I have gone on to publish over 100 issues to date. This again would give potatoes (merchants, farmers, seed producers etc) a massive voice at the sharp end. It also has given us the chance to understand the whole sector and get involved with many other projects. Chippy Chat allows Isle of Ely Produce to educate a whole sector with ongoing issues such as climate change, suppressants, prices and more. It has created a whole new marketing platform for farmers, growers and shop owners.

As part of the Field to Frier platform, the firm also has an annual open day. It gives the industry a chance to meet over 100 chip shop owners each year, and indeed farmers to welcome them to their fields, sheds and equipment. It shows shops the investment needed just to get a crop into their shops. We show presentations on the day at Isle of Ely’s farm via a £6,000 AV stage set. To this event we attract seed houses, farmers, suppliers to chip shops and more. To date over 1000 people have visited our farm to these open days.

Last year we set up with NEODA on National Fish & Chip Day a mobile unit (PIMP MY FISH) and gave away 500 portions of fish and chips. It was also a part of the chip ambassador role we have set up to trial new varieties, notably Babylon, which is being trialled across the UK. John Boutwood, Managing Director, is proud to say that Isle of Ely Produce is a local, Fenland business that operates nationally and internationally.

“Our personal touch is supported by significant resource, expertise and reputation. We are proud of our marketing platform and relationships we hold across the chipping industry.”

19

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Your customers are looking for providence and sustainability when buying foods of all types. We can trace your potatoes all the way from seed to frier!

Our state-of-the-art facilities have also been carefully designed for the storage of potatoes. We have invested heavily in improving our storage and handling facilities by doubling the size of our Cambridgeshire site giving us an extensive set down space. Our integrated management system provides 100% traceability on all produce received and dispatched.

If you would like to be part of Isle of Ely Produce’s success story, then we would love to hear from you. We would be delighted to hear from potato retailers, restaurants, take aways and growers. We were a proud winner of the 2021 Marketing Award at the Potato Awards and also we are in the Top Five Suppliers Award at this year’s National Fish and Chip Awards Ask your potato merchant for Isle of Ely sourced potatoes today. We have a massive choice of varieties available (bagged or pre-prepped) to offer to shops across the UK.

Feel free to call us or get in touch to see if we can help. 01353 863355. www.isleofely.co.uk

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

19

Be Prepared!

Fantastic Prepared Fresh Chips!

F

ylde Fresh and Fabulous are a well-established family run potato business based on the Fylde Coast between Preston and Blackpool. We are a prominent UK potato processor supporting our local rural economy with a growing number of employees and use of local suppliers and contractors. We grow, harvest, store, process and deliver fresh chips and potato products under the FFF brand to distributors around the UK. We operate 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

We are BRC accredited and Red Tractor approved making us a reliable leading supplier to the fish and chip shop industry.

At Fylde Fresh & Fabulous we pride ourselves on maintaining high standards across the entire potato process. The key success factor in producing quality potato and chip products starts with our own potatoes grown on selected land and stored under exacting conditions. We are passionate about growing our own spuds and there is nothing better than seeing them grow from seed to ending up on a customer’s plate!

Every batch of Triple F Chips is frytested and quality-assessed before being distributed. You can always guarantee reliability and quality with our freshly cut Triple F Chips thanks to our high levels of compliance, and only supplying the best potato produce possible.

Our investment in our supply chain is going to be critical in navigating some of the choppy waters that the economy is going through at the moment. Despite a wet and cold May, this season’s crop has grown in reasonably good conditions and harvest has gone well. Our storage crops are all nicely dry and down at their ideal temperatures to ensure longevity.

20

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

However, as has been reported widely in the press recently we believe that there will be significant challenges to overcome in this year’s crop.

All farmers are experiencing higher costs to grow crops this season. Fertiliser prices have doubled from last year and fuel has gone up by 63%. Seed potato prices have also risen and the overall availability is lower due the trade ban on seed between the UK and the EU. Increased energy prices will also have an impact on storage costs. The price of other crops such as wheat is rising which will increase competition and therefore the cost of land. Coupled with labour shortages and the spiralling cost of logistics we could potentially be in for a rocky ride.

Regardless of these predictions we will endeavour to continue to deliver our quality FFF chips to fish and chips shops customers around the UK at the best prices. We also hope that being transparent about these challenges will encourage all fish and chip shops to prepare and engage with their suppliers to find solutions that will minimise the impact to everyone in the supply chain.

We would like to congratulate Isle of Ely Produce & Chippy Chat on their British Potato Award for Marketing recently.

James Crossley from FFF said. “We are proud to work with both IOE and Chippy Chat, and their national award was well deserved.”

To order fresh prepped chipping potatoes visit www.fyldefreshandfabulous.com

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

20

21

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

21

Future Proofing the Planet with Potatoes!

Lamb Weston has been at the forefront of embracing sustainability for some time and their latest sustainability report shows the forward-thinking giant’s recent initiatives are rising to the challenge, helping operators to please consumers.

O

ver five years ago, Lamb Weston/ Meijer added ‘sustainable agriculture’ to its six focus areas for sustainability, which also include water, greenhouse gas emissions, plant protection products and biodiversity.

Growing closer Closer collaboration with growers is key to Lamb Weston’s Sustainable Agriculture Plan. This focuses on healthy soils as the most valuable and scarce natural resource growers use.

Lamb Weston is committed to developing their long term relationships with quality farmers in the UK, with approximately 30 carefully selected partners.

And Lamb Weston’s Sustainable Agriculture Plan for 600 growers in Europe includes a 24% drop in energy used and 30% drop in CO2 emissions generated per kg of product. The carbon footprint of their products has been reduced by 21.7% since 2008.

Healthier product development In the next two years, Lamb Weston aims to focus on a number of key areas that will contribute to more balanced diets by making an impact across their portfolio.

For example, they will continue to invest in and develop products that can be cooked without needing to be fried, such as in ovens or air fryers. They will also focus on making products as healthy as possible, by researching ways to lower the oil content of deep-fried products. Their new Innovation Centre will help accelerate these developments.

Gold level progress One of the main KPIs of Lamb Weston’s Sustainability plan is the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) from the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform. The FSA scores growers’ performance on sustainable agriculture on four levels: Gold, Silver, Bronze, and ‘below Bronze’. Their goal for the Farm

22

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Sustainability Assessment is to reach 100% at Gold level and over the last two years they have been making progress, with total grower numbers reaching 80% Silver and 20% Gold. When the Dutch VVAK certification is benchmarked Gold (expected by 2023) they expect to make a significant step towards achieving their 2030 target.

Other spuddy highlights! By Peter Evans, UK & IRL Marketing Manager With 6.5 million fewer kilometres travelled per year, Lamb Weston has reduced emissions from transporting goods by 5,800 million metre tonnes since 2008 – that’s the same as the amount 1,462 coal fired power plants would emit in one year!

Lamb Weston has sent zero waste to landfill since 2008; they incinerate less than 0.5% of their waste, using every single bit of their potatoes. And to minimise waste, they optimise their plants and potatoes – so they use 99% of the potato, a 12.5% increase compared to 2008. They also develop new potato species that are able to withstand drought.

Now, 99.9% of Lamb Weston’s products and waste streams are reused, recycled or recovered, while products are packed in 100% recyclable plastic and cartons made from 100% recycled, FSC certified cardboard. Lamb Weston uses an advanced system that purifies their process water, turning it back into drinking quality water, which is then reused in their production processes.

Lamb Weston features Skin-On in their fries’ ranges, which means a lower carbon footprint, around 8% more sustainable than Skin-Off chips and the Company is suggesting operators call this out on menu as it would be well-received by consumers, especially if operators state they’ve made a switch from skin-off to skin-on because it’s a more sustainable choice - 1 in 4 consumers choose restaurants or pubs that have strong sustainability credentials!

And Skin-On sell for more too!

For innovative ideas, recipes and potato inspiration, head over to www. lambweston.eu/uk, call 0800 963962 or email us at salesUK@lambweston.eu

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

22

23

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

23

What’s Cooking? 2023 – it’s HarroGREAT! In our 130th year, Henry Colbeck is delighted to invite you to our What’s Cooking? 2023 Exhibition at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, North Yorkshire on Sunday March 26th. Everyone’s Welcome!

W

ith almost 80 exhibitors, there’s something for everyone in the Fish & Chips, Takeaway & Restaurant, Food on the Go and Mobile Catering industry.

PACKAGING QUARTER: Visit our dedicated packaging hub where you can meet packaging experts and discuss innovations, sustainability, and cost-effective packaging solutions. See our great range of ‘Hook & Fish’ branded packaging, environmentally friendly range of Bio Boxes & trays, wide range of corrugated boxes including our branded 2-compartment boxes and plain / brown solutions. Don’t miss our portion control LiteBite packaging too, and a range of carriers and cartons all specifically designed for our industry. Discover packaging to help with the Single Use Packaging ban.

EQUIPMENT: Browse a range of equipment and make great savings with Bold, Premier 1 Filtration and at the Drywite Equipment Shop. Meet range and equipment manufacturer Hopkins too!

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Sunday Kitchen – a brand new interactive space designed to showcase new menu ideas, deliver training and industry expertise, raise hot topics and encourage 2-way discussions right across the industry.

NEW EXHIBITORS: Include Omni Vegan ‘Fish’ Fillets, OilChef, Amanda Fish Roe, Colbeck Pizza Bases, Wherry’s Dried Peas, Kara Dough Balls and Adande Refrigeration.

TRY: Sample a huge range of tasty products, including our market leading 42nd Street Frozen Foods and exclusive CLASSIC Sausage - the No. 1 selling sausage in Fish & Chip shops. Try the many superb seafood products on offer, including Rammi Icelandic Fish.

SOMETHING FOR THE KIDS: What’s Cooking? is a kids delight! Easter Egg treasure trail – Colouring Competition – Award Winning Balloon modeller & Magician – Face Painting – Visit The Deep Aquarium. Plus this year meet our super fun Giant Chefs!

MEET: The Henry Colbeck team and Directors, NFFF Directors, Fisherman’s Mission, RSPO Palm Experts and get merch for National Fish & Chip Day from NEODA. Plus Come and visit Chippy Chat Editor Austen Dack on Stand 24! Expert exhibitors will discuss which cooking oils and batter mix products are best suited for your business and will offer samples like tasty curries and gravies.

JOIN US & SAVE £££’s! to take advantage of great money-saving offers which will only be available on the day! All Colbeck customers will automatically receive a personal invitation for the exhibition in their What’s Hot Colbeck March magazine. But if you’re not already a Henry Colbeck customer you’re welcome too – visit Eventbrite, email marketing@colbeck.co.uk or call 0191 482 4242 and we will be delighted to send you your invitation.

A MASSIVE THANK YOU! A huge thank you to everyone that voted Henry Colbeck into the Top 5 for the ‘Supplier of the Year Award’ at the National Fish & Chip Awards, we’re thrilled and delighted to have been considered. #morethanjustasupplier Come to What’s Cooking? 2023 – we’d love to see you there.

24

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

24

YOU’RE INVITED!

2023

26 MARCH • HARROGATE TH

Trade Show for Fish & Chip, Takeaway and Food Service Professionals

As a leading supplier within a unique industry, Henry Colbeck is 130 years old in 2023, and we’d love you to join in the celebrations!

Yorkshire Event Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate - 10am – 4pm

DON'T MISS OUT ON...

• New Products • Demonstrations • New Technology • On the Day Special Offers • Innovations • Meet Industry Professionals • Plus many more exciting events

FREE TICKETS 4 VISITORS Are you a Henry Colbeck Customer? We’ll send you your free tickets direct before the day.

Not a Henry Colbeck Customer? Contact us today by e-mail marketing@colbeck.co.uk or call 0191 482 4242

What's Cooking? Brought to you by Henry Colbeck Ltd

25

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

25

The Heat is On! Chippy 1st to Provide Warm Space

A

ward winning chippy, Fish ‘n’ Fritz in Weymouth, will be opening their restaurant doors in a bid to help those in fuel poverty keep warm this winter. They will be turning the heating on early and serving free tea and toast every Thursday between 9am to 11am, for those struggling with the cost of heating their homes.

Fish ‘n’ Fritz is believed to be the first commercial premises (at time of print) to join local councils, charities, libraries, museums and NHS services providing free Warm Welcome Spaces in the Dorset Council area.

Warm Spaces or Warm banks are safe places with the heating turned on, where people can go to get warm in the winter, when they cannot afford to heat their homes.

Owner of Fish ‘n’ Fritz, Paul Hay, explains, “we will be turning our heating on early every Thursday before we officially open, to provide a welcoming warm space for those who are struggling with the very stark choice between heating and eating this winter.”

Anyone struggling to keep the heating on can find their nearest free warm space

26

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

on an interactive map, provided by the Warm Welcome Space Campaign.

Paul says, “we may be the first commercial premises in the Dorset Council area to provide a warm space under the Warm Welcome Initiative, but with 68% of people in the Southwest fighting to make ends meet, we hope many more individuals and businesses will open their doors and bring communities together this winter.

Just like Real Impression Renovations who will be joining forces with us to provide this Warm Welcome Space.”

Local business, Real Impression Renovations, has stepped up to provide support towards the cost of running this Fish ‘n’ Fritz initiative.

Real Impression Renovations owner, Max Rayworth, says, ”it is hard to hear the stories from the local people I meet every day, who are facing difficulties this winter.

So, when I heard Fish ‘n’ Fritz were starting their Warm Space initiative, I was pleased to get involved with sponsorship.”

The National Energy Action (NEA) announced that 11,400 winter deaths are already caused by cold weather each year and with the cost of heating rising to an all-time high, this figure is set to rise this year. It is being hailed as a public health emergency.

Simone Phillips, Fish ‘n’ Fritz Manager, says, “when we heard 19,000 households in Dorset are struggling with fuel bills, we couldn’t just do nothing. Especially when we are seeing more and more hardworking locals struggling to make ends meet. We regularly give to the Food Banks, so we thought, why not run a Warm Space. We hope opening our doors for Tea and Toast on Thursdays will go some way to help our neighbours.”

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

26

CHIP CHIP HOORAY! We’re celebrating the Great British Chippy with our brand new Chip Shop inspired pie

AVAILABLE

NOW

Bespoke POS available.

Stock up now to take advantage of a limited time launch offer through your Pukka representative, wholesaler or by calling 0116 264 4000

27

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

27

Hew’s the Best Range!

Peter’s Fish Factory harbours great feelings for Hewigo

P

eter’s Fish Factory has been well known for quality seaside fish and chips in Ramsgate and Margate for over 30 years. Situated in a former Victorian tearoom, next to the harbour and beach, Peter Curtis’ Ramsgate factory is now the proud site of a new 3-pan Hewigo High Efficiency range.

28

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

What’s more a similar range for Margate is already on order for early 2023.

Peter speaks highly of Hewigo. “My previous Hewigo range was 20 years old and still very reliable, but technology moves on and with energy prices as they are I went for the High Efficiency range. I’ve been monitoring regularly and already saving costs. The maintenance contract is very useful and great value. I know I can expect a prompt response to any problems or queries.”

The range is finished with new 3D artdeco panels with glitter-ball effect inserts.

Multi-colour LED lighting adds a stunning visual attraction especially when the front doors of the shop are completely open.

Keeping guard is a huge suspended model of a marlin which Peter bought from a local artist. “It is a real talking point and particularly popular with children.”

Being in a tourism area walk-in is such a large part of his trade, so Peter has decided against a “click & collect” system preferring a personal connection with his customers.

Peter’s Fish Factory have had a number of visits from stars over the years with the latest being top comedian Alan Carr.

Phillip Purkiss, Managing Director of Hewigo UK adds “It’s so satisfying to have these strong long term relationships with customers and it often spreads through generations. Peter’s elder son who has a shop in Bexhill also has a Hewigo range.”

For further information contact www. hewigo.com or call 0121 544 9120 Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

28

Flavoursome Fish!

Not all fish is meant to be fried. The best choices are from white fleshed fish with flaky textures such cod and haddock. In order to guarantee that the full flavour of the fish is retained, the Fish and Chip shop owner has to ensure the correct batter is used. Then there is the temperature at which the fish is to be fried, neither too hot nor hot enough.

Finally and equally important is the frying medium and that is where Frymax comes in.

Frymax is pure white premium palm which is additive free, contains no hydrogenated oil and less than one per cent trans fats. Frymax has a high smoke point which makes it ideal for frying. More importantly Frymax guarantees delicious results every time to bring out the full flavour of your fish.

RSPO-2-0677-16-100-00

For information, advice, or customer support material please contact ADM Trading (UK) Limited. e-mail: frymaxinfo@adm.com 29

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

www.frymax.co.uk Chippy Chippy Chat Chat& Fast & Fast FoodFood MagaziMagazine ne • • February aJ nuary3 2 0 2 2023

29 29

Super Normal?

Game Changing Seafood From Norfisk!

A

t Norfisk we procure only the highest quality long-line Norwegian Cod and Haddock. All fish is responsibly sourced and ‘Frozen at Sea’ on board select vessels resulting in a premium fillet of optimal standards.

“Our brand of longline fillets is fast becoming a game changer for interleaved boneless fillet supply into the Fish & Chip sector” says Commercial Director Matthew. “ We l aunch e d ou r trawled version of the brand into Ireland in 2018 and have had huge success there. Continuity of product and supply all year round at stable prices is clearly a big plus for friers.

The industry is undoubtably short of longline fillets that are pan ready, so we saw a gap in the market. In the current climate it’s all about food safety and consumers are fully conscious of the long-term planet gains as a reflection of what they consume and thrive on knowing this before they eat. More selective fishing, intact seabeds, lower greenhouse emissions and unwanted bycatch are just a few of the benefits of long-lining and consumers love to see and hear these facts.”

Matthew goes on to say “more recently we have progressed the brand with long-line fillets into our range. Our processing partners have decades of experience in buying only the best quality fish and we felt obligated to offer a higher volume of premium boneless fillets to the fish frying trade. Our state-of-the-art facilities take the headed and gutted fish down to temperature that barely allows them to fillet the fish then within minutes it’s interleaved and plate frozen.”

Research company Nofima have analysed and compared fish caught by long-lining and fish from trawler catches. This has shown that line-caught fish has a whiter flesh and gives a firmer fillet. The most important reasons for the better flesh quality of line-caught fish are better bleeding out and less compression damage,” says researcher Bjørn Tore Rotabakk.

Both the compression damage and the poor bleeding out are caused because trawling brings up from five to twenty tons of fish onto the deck each time, while with long-lining the fish are brought on board one by one. Researchers have carried out chemical, technical and sensory analyses in order to assess fish quality.

Taste assessors have judged the fish on colour, texture, smell, splitting and surface, while chefs at the Gastronomic Institute have assessed the flavour. The conclusion of both groups is that line-caught fish has a much higher quality.

So, whilst Norfisk is relatively new to the market it’s not aiming to revolutionise the industry – only to offer the more conscious buyer a convenient alternative to trawled and to compliment the Fish and Chip sector, one that they know prides itself on very high standards!

Contact T: 01925 649236 www.norfisk.co.uk E: mc@marisseafoods.co.uk

03 30

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

30

31

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

31

INNOVATIONS IS BACK!!!!

Touch, Taste and Try...

The Exhibition that brings Fish and Chips to life!!

V

.A.Whitley will be hosting Innovations 2023 on Sunday 19th February at its familiar home, The University of Bolton Stadium.

Returning after a lengthy gap, the North West’s major exhibition for the Fish & Chip and Fast-Food Trade gives you the opportunity to visit a huge number of first-class exhibitors who will be presenting outstanding product innovations and concepts covering a range of food products, the latest in Frozen Food launches, drinks, packaging developments, hygiene solutions and the latest catering equipment all designed for your business.

Expert exhibitors will be on hand to discuss which cooking oils and batter mix products are best suited for your business or even sample some great tasting curries and gravies. Why not try the many superb fish products on offer, including skinless, boneless tightly graded Cod or Haddock. Spend some time with the Cutting Crew who will be preparing fish ready to be fried and demonstrating fish cutting skills and techniques.

Many exhibitors will be cooking their products ready for you to sample, including our market leading 42nd Street Frozen Foods, featuring our exclusive ‘Classic Sausage’, the number one selling catering sausage, Beefburgers and a great range of whole muscle chicken products for you to taste. You can also enjoy tasting pies and puddings from various exceptional bakers.

Also Look Out For Range Manufacturers – Hopkins, Henry Nuttall and Range Response New Exhibitors including – OilChef, PanaEpos, Sarsons and Rosie and Jim Huge trade supporters in the form of the NFFF, National Fish and Chip Day and of course Chippy Chat!

All the very best in Frozen Food demonstrations, packaging samples, helpful tips and advice, ideas for your businesses - as well as a huge number

32 32

Chippy Chat & F Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

of money-saving Promotions available on the day.

If it is packaging you are after, then look out for our great ranges of ‘Real Food’ and ‘Hook and Fish’ branded packaging, the environmentally friendly range of Bio Boxes, an excellent range of corrugated boxes including our two compartment boxes, not forgetting our exclusive Lite-Bite packaging too. As well as a broad range of carriers - all specifically designed for the Fish and Chip Trade and true packaging innovations.

Come and talk to our Waste Oil Collection Service experts, who will be on hand to answer any of your queries.

We will be announcing confirmed exhibitors over the coming weeks.

• Visit the Drywite Equipment Shop and enjoy huge savings on our extensive range of catering equipment and utensils.

• Take advantage of the many moneysaving offers which will only be available on the day.

• Children can take part in a fun kid’s competition with great prizes to be won.

We Look Forward to Welcoming You! ...INNOVATIONS 2023 Premier Suite, University of Bolton Stadium, Junction 61, Burnden Way, Bolton, BL6 6JW Entry to innovations 2023 is completely free!!

All V.A. Whitley customers will automatically receive a personal invitation for the exhibition three weeks beforehand. If you are not a customer of V.A.Whitley then please call 01706 364211 and we will be delighted to send you your invitation.

Regular updates will be posted to our twitter (@vawhitley1899), facebook ( f a c e b o o k . c o m /v a w h i t l e y 1 8 9 9 ) and Instagram (instagram.com/ vawhitley1899) - so sign up today.

Also, check our website: www.vawhitley.co.uk/innovations for all the latest news.

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

32

33

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

33

Five Stars!

Final 5 announced for Supplier of the Year at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023

Sponsored By

T

he final five for the Supplier of the year category at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 has been announced by the National Federation of Fish Friers. The five includes we are proud to say isle of Ely produce who supplies over 2 million bags of potatoes into UK shops a year and have been championing the potato through its open days, the publishing of this magazine and other events throughout the year.

The top five, from across the industry, have made it through to the final following nominations and then from judging by an anonymous panel of industry experts.

This category celebrates suppliers throughout the UK that have given the fish & chip trade exceptional service and innovation and is sponsored by Just Eat

The top five shortlisted are: KFE World of Ceres Isle of Ely Produce Henry Colbeck Dennis Crooks The awards ceremony, hosted by The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), will take place on the 28th of February 2023 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

Comedian and presenter, Jason Manford, will present this year’s awards and although the guest list is industryfocused, tickets are also open to the public and discounted accommodation is available with ticket sales.

For further information on the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023,please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.

34

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

34

35

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

35

Sheila (& Bruce) Australia’s best fish and chips have been revealed!

T

he winners of the 2022 Great Australian Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), have been announced, with the country’s best fish & chippers in each state and territory crowned.

“In every town, across every state and territory, people spruik their fish & chips as number one. So, we’ve listened to the people, and crowned the most popular fish & chip shops around the country,” SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta said.

“After close to 60,000 votes from the public spread across 683 stores around the country, the winners of the 2022 Great Australian Fish & Chip Awards People’s Choice Awards have been crowned: • New South Wales – Pelican Rocks, Greenwell Point New South Welshmen cast the most votes out of any state/territory, which meant this top store reeled in the most votes in the entire competition!

• Queensland – Costa’s Seafood Cafe, Capalaba • Tasmania – Fraggles Fish and Chips, Launceston • South Australia – Dolphin Fish Shop and Take Away, Netley • Northern Territory – Frying Nemo Fish and Chippery, Stuart Park • Australian Capital Territory – Snapper & Co., Yarralumla • Western Australia – Ralphy’s Ocean Treats, Falcon • Victoria – Jarrah Street Family Store, Wodonga

36

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

“It’s no secret the Australian seafood industry and foodservice sector. We encourage everyone to take a night or two off from the kitchen, get together with your friends and family, and support your local takeaway store and your fishers, while you enjoy some Great Australian Fish & Chips.

“The Great Australian Fish & Chip Awards showcase the very best fish & chip businesses around the country, while they celebrate our great Australian seafood, and the fishers who produce all of our favourite seafoods.

“The awards also highlight the importance of buying fresh, local, Australian seafood. It’s important to always ask for Aussie seafood; even why you’re buying fish & chips. Australian seafood is one of the most sustainable protein sources in the world and our fisheries management is world-class.

However, 62 per cent of seafood eaten in Australia is imported, so until the Albanese Government’s Country of Origin Labelling for seafood sold in foodservice is brought in, it’s important you chat to your server about where your seafood is from.

“Buying Australian seafood supports Australian fishing families and regional communities they operate in. And, the good news is, it’s easy to support them.

You do it just by eating some Great Australian Fish & Chips.”

For more information visit: www.fishandchipawards.com.au Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

36

take a Bow!

37

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

37

Moby Chip!

The finalist in the Best Mobile Operator at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 have been announced by the National Federation of Fish Friers Sponsored by

A

fter an extensive judging process completed by an anonymous panel of industry experts, the final three include:

JoJo’s, Stafford Pimp My Fish, Newmarket The Chippie Van, Penrith The Best Mobile Operator category celebrates businesses which operate mobile fish and chips vans or trailers not only demonstrating high standards serving many rural locations but also catering for weddings and corporate events. This category is sponsored by Kerry Foods.

President of the NFFF, Andrew Crook, said: “Mobile fish and chip units have many different challenges to bricks and mortar businesses and to keep standards consistently high is testament to the professionalism of these finalists. Whether serving rural communities or making a couples special day event more special these businesses have to be organised and at the top of their game every time.”

The National Fish and Chip Awards are hosted by The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), on the 28th of February 2023 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

Although the guest list is mainly industry-focused, tickets are open to the general public and discounted accommodation is available with ticket sales.

For further information on the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.

38

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

38

Fabulous

Fish Roe Fritters A PROTEIN PACKED NUTRITIOUS MEAL

MAKE A DIFFERENCE. CHOOSE GUARANTEED SUSTAINABLE FISH.

Please contact your local distributor/ r/ supplier for further information.

39 Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023 Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

39

UK’s best fish and chip shops to embark on a study trip to Norway – The Whitefish Nation The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) has revealed that all fish and chip category winners of the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 will be given the chance to visit Norway on a once in a lifetime trip

W

ith competition already fierce, the stakes have been raised further by the competition’s headline sponsor, Seafood from Norway, proudly represented by the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), who will host the category winners on an educational study trip to the proud whitefish nation – a country laced in rich fishing heritage and home to the world’s largest cod stock.

With many of the category shortlists having now been announced, and the awards on the near horizon – February 28th – the hopeful friers won’t have long to wait to find out who has been crowned top of their field.

The trip, which will see the winners visit one of the best places in the world to fish sustainable cod and haddock, will feature an action-packed itinerary including a voyage onboard one of Norway’s frozen-at-sea vessels to experience first-hand the Norwegian fleet’s worldclass sustainable fishing and processing facilities, producing premium quality whitefish for the UK’s favourite dish.

The winners’ time in Norway will give insight into how the Norwegian cod and haddock that fills UK fryers, is sustainably harvested from the country’s cold, clear waters - the perfect environment to yield distinctively chunky and succulent flesh.

Not only will winners learn about the vital supply chain of sustainable cod and

40

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

haddock from Norway to the UK, they will also have the opportunity to meet with the Norwegian fishing industry and study the science behind the country’s successful fishery management programme.

The annual awards celebrate the very best fish and chip shops in the UK, with a range of tough criteria to be judged against. As well as some of the longstanding coveted award categories, including the Quality Accreditation Award, Best Mobile Fish & Chip Operator, Best Multiple Operator and Best Newcomer, 2023 sees a new category in the mix.

The Environmental and Sustainability category celebrates businesses that strive to achieve and implement the most sustainable practices possible in their shops – from sourcing products with the best sustainability credentials, to the use of clever energy management and a careful approach to packaging and waste management. The winner of this category will of course be joining the others on the visit to Norway, a country that is synonymous with its sustainable fishing practices.

Victoria Braathen, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council comments; “Norway is a proud supplier of sustainable seafood to British consumers through close collaboration with distributors and the many talented, dedicated fish and chip operators across the UK. We are extremely excited to welcome the category award winners to Norway later in the year to experience cod and haddock fishing in Norway’s cold, clear waters first hand. What better way to understand the importance of origin – especially when preparing the nation’s favourite dish.”

The awards ceremony will take place on the 28th of February 2023 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. Comedian and presenter, Jason Manford, will present this year’s awards, tickets are on sale and discounted accommodation is available with ticket sales.

For further information on the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 and to book your place, visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

40

Give customers confidence with Seafood from Norway

87%

of diners agree sustainable fish is important to them, but only one quarter know what to look for when visiting their local fish & chip shop.

Serve cod and haddock from Norway to give your customers confidence that they are choosing delicious protein from a country that takes great pride in its fishing methods and rich heritage delivering superior quality and sustainability credentials.

Cold Clear Waters World’s Largest Cod Stocks Pioneering Stock Management

PROUD SPONSORS OF

Origin Matters. seafoodfromnorway.co.uk 41

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

41

North West

Anthony Swift (Liverpool) Reliable daily deliveries throughout the North-West Guaranteed quality supplies throughout the year.

Specialist supplier to fish and chip shops

0151 526 5318 aj.swift@live.com

Call the Potato Professionals Today Bridlington Scarborogh Pickering

Pontefract Wakefield Bradford Leeds

NORTH YORKSHIRE

LANCASHIRE

EAST YORKSHIRE

WEST YORKSHIRE GREATER MANCHESTER

BY

HA MS

D ER

CHESHIRE

Thorne Barnsley Sheffield Doncaster Rotherham Goole Grimsby

HIR E

SOUTH YORKSHIRE

SH

LINCOLNSHIRE

IR

NOTTI NG

Delivering quality potatoes throughout your region

A FF ST

E

OR D SH IR E

Mansfield Ashbourne Notts Derby Dronfield

LEICESTERSHIRE

North Lincolnshire Scunthorpe

Established 80yrs Fixed price contracts available Potatoes replaced within 12hrs in the unlikely event of you being dissatisfied Area Covered

All batches rigorously checked and test fried Ring today for your free sample

Lomas Potatoes

01909 562327 (3 lines) 07932 155677 (Andy) (S,Yorks, N,Yorks, Notts)

07703 263033 (Garry) (E,Yorks, N,Yorks, W,Yorks)

allomas@btconnect.com

THE HOME OF QUALITY CHIPPING POTATOES! Mitchell Potatoes (Estab 1883) is proud to be one of the UK’s longest established potato merchants, a record built on quality and reliability.

We serve many of the UK’s best fish and chip shops

CONSISTENT QUALITY:

Our large supplier base and vigilant quality control helps provide consistent quality all year round.

PUNCTUAL DELIVERIES:

We run a fleet of modern vehicles with 24hr breakdown assistance.

P o t a t o e s

L t d

Contact / Follow Us

01926 633323

www.mitchells-potatoes.co.uk info@mitchells-potatoes.co.uk mitchellspotatoes

FREE Chippy Industry

I

sle of Ely Produce and Chippy Chat are once again opening their doors to chip shop owners and managers on Sunday September 10th 2023!

It is one of the FREE industry events of the year. The event starts at 9.30 am at our farm in Ely, Cambridgeshire with a coffee and a chance to talk to industry colleagues. It is invaluable, not only do chip shop owners and staff find out first-hand how the potato crop is faring for 2023/24, but they also get an idea about predicted cost and quality of the crop for the year ahead.

Add to that lots of key suppliers will be sponsoring/ attending on the day. In 2022 they included Pukka Pies, Middleton Foods, Premier 1 Filtration, TQuality, Drywite, Friars Pride, Preoday (Qikserve), Agrico, McWhinney, Seafood from Norway, BD Signs, Meijer Potato UK, Panaepos, Smales, PJ Lee & Sons, HZPC, JFK, Farm Electronics, Blakemans, Frymax & more.

You will watch presentations

@mitchellpots 42 Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023 @mitchellpots

on our giant AV, with full staging, from award winning fish and chip shop owners, giving you valuable advice for your shop.

Guest speakers for our 2022 event included NFFF President Andrew Crook, Sarah Heward from the Real Food Café, Kaylee Frost from Harlees Fish & Chips, Nick and David MIller from Millers, Josette Foster from Fish and Chips at Weston Grove plus more.

Please email austen@ chippychat.co.uk if you would like to be a sponsor and/or exhibit on the day.

We will also have Oliver Boutwood back with his Q&A sessions, plus the chance for you to try Babylon, a new chipping variety from Agrico, and lots of samples and freebies too. It’s the FREE industry event not to miss!

The event is suitable for all levels of management and also young friers too. Maximum of 3 tickets per shop. FREE refreshments will also be served.

Order your tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk, and search for Isle of Ely Produce

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

42

Open Day - Come and join us!

In 2022 over 50 people stayed in Ely too for an evening meal and drinks. A chance for you all to sit and relax with industry peers. Please let us know if you intend to stay email austen@chippychat.co.uk, and we will add you to the list for the restaurant and send you hotel choices (if staying).

Producing Quality Cambridgeshire Potatoes

Piper - Cambridgeshire Markies - Divaa - Agria Potatoes ProducingMaris Quality

Enjoy the Day Austen Dack - Chippy Chat Publishing Editor

Our strength–isAgria continuity of supply – Sagitta Maris PiperMarkies – Challenger Call your local wholesaler today

Our strength is continuity of supply ‘Potatoes grown with passion for the more discerning customer’

Contact Isle of Ely Produce, and ask for 00!

Our Sponsors

43

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

43

44

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • February 2023

44