The National Fish & Chip Awards is announcing which businesses from around the world are the best at tantalising tastebuds with the iconic British dish and therefore have made it to this year’s International Fish and Chip Operator of the Year final.
The category made its debut last year and serves as an opportunity to celebrate overseas operators dedicated to delivering an authentic fish and chip experience to customers, using UK-made fryers and imported products where possible. The big fish in the industry have pooled their expertise together to create comprehensive judging rounds which drive contenders to showcase their ‘pro-fish-iency’ at navigating the challenges of creating chip shop meals which can hold their own against UK counterparts.
The awards have been well-known since 1988 for pushing the boundaries of industry standards to new heights across many criteria. Hopefuls must make sure that not only is their food delicious, but they have top-tier product knowledge, that environmental and sustainable practices are adhered to, and employees have a safe and healthy workplace to thrive in, to mention just a few requirements.
Wright’s Fish & Chips in Georgia, USA, was the first recipient of the award last year, and the finalists hoping to be named International Fish and Chip Operator of the Year for 2025, are:
Brunei Darussalam
Fez and Cip, Bandar Seri Begawan
Ireland
Beach Buns, Strandhill, County Sligo
Japan
Affenbar, Tokyo
Andrew Crook is president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), which organises the event. He says the category has seen exciting development: “When we launched our international award for 2024, the applications were fantastic, and the officials had a tough time separating the winners and runners’ up. This time we can see feedback has been taken on board from those that have re-entered, and the new entrants are displaying a level of business acumen and product insight that makes this industry dynamic, forward thinking and a true joy to be part of as we get to nurture and honour the hard work and determination from great people.”
Sponsoring the award is Premier 1 Filtration, which for more than 25 years has been a major supplier of filter machines, filter papers and filter pads to fish and chip shops, takeaways, restaurants, schools and hospitals across the UK, Europe and Australia.
Its owner, Steve Calvert, praised the finalists for their efforts to embrace traditional cooking methods, recognising the benefits of consistent food quality, which provides for a delicious dining experience.
He says: “Firstly, the Premier1 Filtration team is proud to be able to support the awards. It has been gratifying for us to see that most of the candidates in past awards are our customers and already recognise the benefits of filtering, such as cost saving by way of oil life extension, food quality and consistency with additional environmental benefits. Hard work, good management and teamwork do pay off and we wish all the candidates the very best of luck.”
The National Fish & Chip Awards 2025 ceremony to reveal the winners will take place on 26 February in London.
Tickets for the fish and chip shop industry’s much-loved event are available now at https://thefishandchipawards.com/event-tickets/. For more information and bits on the National Fish & Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.