National Fish & Chip Award Winners to Embark on Exclusive Norwegian Seafood Tour

For more than a decade, the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), in collaboration with the Norwegian Frozen at Sea group, has hosted an exclusive educational trip to Norway for the National Fish and Chip Awards winners. This prestigious initiative allows the best in the UK’s fish and chip sector to explore the origins of their high-quality seafood, strengthening the industry’s long-standing ties with Norway.

The 2025 winners will embark on a three-day trip to Sortland, Northern Norway, in June. This immersive experience will give them invaluable insights into Norway’s sustainable fishing industry, from long-term stock management to state-of-the-art fishing practices. The journey offers a rare opportunity to witness the dedication behind delivering premium Norwegian cod and haddock from the icy Nordic waters to British plates.

A Deep Dive into Sustainable Fishing

The itinerary is meticulously crafted to educate and inspire. Participants will gain a behind-the-scenes look at Norway’s advanced seafood sector, learning about ocean conservation, responsible catch methods, and innovative processing techniques to maintain the highest quality standards. A standout moment of the trip will be a day aboard Langøy, a renowned frozen-at-sea vessel owned by Prestfjord, part of the Holmøy Group. Here, winners will experience the meticulous process of catching, freezing, and preparing Norwegian seafood for export to the UK.

Victoria Braathen, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, underscored the importance of this initiative:

“For over a decade, the Norwegian seafood industry has collaborated with the UK fish and chip sector, sharing our passion for quality and sustainability. Welcoming these talented operators to Norway allows them to witness first-hand the commitment that goes into ensuring the finest seafood reaches British fish and chip shops.”

Strengthening Industry Ties

Andrew Crook, President of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), highlighted the trip’s impact:

“Understanding the journey of their fish enhances how operators engage with customers. Consumers increasingly value transparency, and this experience allows winners to confidently share the story of their seafood, reinforcing trust in their supply chain.”

Similarly, Ida Holmøy, Business Development Manager of Holmøy, welcomed the opportunity to showcase Norway’s seafood heritage:

“We are thrilled to invite this year’s National Fish and Chip Award winners to our program onboard Langøy. This visit is about more than just seeing where the fish comes from – it’s about experiencing the commitment to quality and sustainability that defines Norwegian seafood.”

A Legacy of Learning and Collaboration

Past winners have spoken highly of the trip’s value. Geoff Whitehead, owner of Whiteheads Fish & Chips and winner of the 2024 Environment and Sustainability Award, reflected on last year’s visit:

“The experience transformed how I view sustainable fishing. Seeing the Norwegian fishing industry in action gave me a deeper appreciation of responsible sourcing, which is increasingly important to our customers.”

 One notable attendee of last year’s trip was Stelios, Managing Director of Ceres. As part of winning Supplier of the Year in 2024, Stelios had the privilege of visiting Norway, and he described the experience as brilliantly organised and incredibly insightful. His three-day journey was documented in articles (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3) that delve into Norway’s sustainable seafood practices, offering readers a comprehensive look into the trip.

Celebrating Excellence at the National Fish and Chip Awards

The winners set to embark on this year’s journey will be revealed at the prestigious National Fish and Chip Awards ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on 26 February. The event celebrates the best in the industry, recognising those who excel in quality, sustainability, and innovation. 

This annual educational trip is a testament to the strong partnership between Norway’s seafood industry and the UK’s fish and chip sector. As the demand for sustainable and responsibly sourced seafood continues to grow, initiatives like this ensure that fish and chip operators remain informed, engaged, and ready to share their knowledge with the wider public.