As we approach the UK National Fish and Chip Awards on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, there’s a real sense of pride building across our industry.
To be named a finalist is always special. But in a year like this, it carries even greater weight. Anyone who has stood behind a range this year knows just how challenging it’s been.
A Year That Tested Us All
Let’s call it what it is: tough.
Rising oil prices. Wage increases. Energy pressures. Raw material volatility. Customers carefully watching their spending.
Margins have been squeezed. Every decision has mattered. Every percentage point has counted.
For many operators, it hasn’t just been about serving great fish and chips; it’s been about tightening processes, reducing waste, protecting standards and keeping teams motivated through constant change.
And yet, despite all of that, standards haven’t slipped. Shops across the country continue to deliver outstanding quality, service and professionalism. That resilience is what makes this industry so special.
Quality Is What Carries Us
In challenging times, the businesses that endure are the ones that refuse to compromise on quality.
Quality in:
- The fish we source
- The potatoes we prepare
- The oil we fry in
- The cleanliness of our shops
- The training and pride of our teams
- The consistency delivered at every single service
The awards don’t create excellence, they recognise it. And excellence is built day in, day out, long before anyone steps onto a stage.
To Every Finalist
To everyone who has reached the final stages this year, congratulations!
The early mornings.
The late finishes.
The attention to detail.
The pride in every portion served.
It all matters. And it’s all recognised when you reach this level.
Win or not, being a National Fish and Chip Awards finalist is an achievement the entire industry respects.
Take a moment to enjoy it. Celebrate your teams. You’ve earned it.
Delivering Quality from the Fryer Up
At Frymax, we know that what goes into the fryer matters. It always has.
In a year where margins have been tested more than ever, consistency and performance are not optional; they are essential.
Reliable oil performance supports colour, crispness and flavour. It protects standards. It helps operators deliver the quality customers expect, even when trading conditions are tough.
Because excellence in fish and chips doesn’t happen on awards night.
It happens every day, behind the range.
As the 25th of February approaches, we celebrate the resilience, professionalism and passion that define this industry.
Best of luck to every finalist. The whole trade is proud of you.
