Jamie Russo to support Ceres customers in Scotland

We now have a dedicated presence in Scotland with the appointment of Jamie Russo as Field Training Specialist. For Jamie, it’s more than just a new role, it’s a chance to give back to the industry that has shaped his life since he was a teenager.

Jamie started in fish and chips at 14, working in his local shop. Over the years, he has gained experience across various businesses, and in 2023, aged 22, he achieved something special when he bought the very shop where he first started, the Redcloak Fish Bar in Stonehaven, Aberdeen.

Since taking over, Jamie hasn’t wasted any time. He’s made changes from introducing digital signage and self-serve kiosks, giving customers more choice in how they order, right through to extending the menu and rethinking the layout of the shop. Jamie comments: “Although it’s the same shop, it’s got this whole different feel now being the one in charge.” A full refit is also on the horizon, though that’s still a little way off.

Running Redcloak Fish Bar hasn’t been without challenges, especially with rising costs, staff shortages and fluctuating prices for fish and potatoes. But Jamie has never shied away from hard work or competition. In fact, his efforts were recognised when he won Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year in 2024 – the very same year his shop was named Best Newcomer at The National Fish & Chip Awards, cementing his place as one of the industry’s brightest talents.

Now, alongside his busy shop, Jamie is taking on a new challenge with Ceres. His role as Field Training Specialist is not about sales, but support. He’ll be working with shop owners and their teams to help them get the most out of the Ceres product range, whether that’s perfecting their batter, improving consistency with mushy peas, or making the most of sauces, gravies and cleaning ranges.

Looking forward to getting started, Jamie comments: “I’m really excited. It's something new, and it's always something that I've wanted to do in terms of supporting other shops. From my time in the industry, I've received countless amounts of help and support from other people. Now I'm at a point where I want to give back, and I feel like in this role, it's something that I can do.”

Jamie has been using Ceres products since day one at Redcloak Fish Bar, and even before that in other shops. That first-hand knowledge gives him confidence when recommending them to others.

“Ceres has developed a line of pretty impressive products that are brilliant for fish and chip shops,” he says, “so I’ll help shop owners use them correctly and make the most of them. The quality and consistency are fantastic. I wouldn’t showcase them to anyone else if I didn't think they were good enough.”

Jamie also knows how lonely running a shop can be sometimes. While most people are winding down from a 9–5, fish and chip operators are only just hitting their busy period. Having someone to lean on, share experiences with, or simply offer advice can make a real difference.

“I know the struggles and I know the difficulties of running a business – rising costs, getting portions and pricing correct, the growing cost of employing staff, as well as getting staff who want to commit to working in fish and chips. At the same time, I work with ingredients daily, so I know there are occasional fluctuations in the products we use. Being able to adapt to that is key when visiting shops and showcasing our approach. Ultimately, as Field Training Specialist, my role is to support the shops, not push products. It’s about working alongside operators and helping them succeed.”

If you’d like Jamie to come by your shop for a visit or some support, don’t hesitate to get in touch. He’s here to help, share his knowledge, and make sure fish and chip shops across Scotland get the same support Ceres customers enjoy elsewhere in the UK. 

Some interesting facts, you might not know about Jamie: he supports Aberdeen FC, his favourite food is roast beef with all the trimmings, and on his day off you’ll likely find him on the golf course or at the driving range. Contact Jamie on 07876 278 131 or drop him an e-mail at jamie@worldofceres.com.