This week, large parts of the Norwegian whitefish sector are gathering in London to discuss future prospects and ensure that the British continue to prioritise Norwegian cod and haddock for fish & chips.
Tariff barriers, increased protectionism and high prices resulting from lower quotas are creating challenges for the Norwegian frozen-at-sea fleet and exporters. This week they are meeting for the Norwegian Seafood Council’s Norway-UK Seafood Summit and the Fish & Chips Awards, where the best fish & chips operators are honoured in 15 different categories.
An Important Meeting Place
The seminar Norway-UK Seafood Summit (LINK) has become a fixed annual meeting place and is held at the prestigious Fishmonger Hall by London Bridge.
Fishmonger Hall. Photo: Odd Kristian Dahle/Fiskebåt.
-The seminar has become one of the most important meeting places for seafood in the United Kingdom. We have 250 seats available and 70 people on the waiting list. It is simply completely full, says Bjørn-Erik Stabell, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s envoy to London.
Most of the major British grocery chains are attending the seminar, and virtually all of the large importers in the United Kingdom are represented, in addition to a number of smaller operators. Nearly 20 journalists are also attending to follow the programme.
-The seminar has become a very important arena where Norwegian representatives from both the fleet segment and exporters can meet critical British customers in direct dialogue. We also greatly appreciate that Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss is attending, says Odd Kristian Dahle, Communications Manager at Fiskebåt.
On Tuesday morning, a meeting is scheduled between the Norwegian delegation (the Norwegian Frozen at Sea group – NFAS) and the board of the Norwegian Seafood Council. This will be an internal meeting where shared challenges facing the whitefish industry can be discussed.
Fish & Chips Awards
On Wednesday, 25 February, The National Fish & Chips Awards will take place. Here, the best fish & chips restaurants in the United Kingdom are honoured across 15 different categories. The Norwegian whitefish industry is the main sponsor, administered through the Norwegian Seafood Council.
Photo: Odd Kristian Dahle/Fiskebåt.
Photo: Odd Kristian Dahle/Fiskebåt.
The Norwegian Seafood Council is the main sponsor of the event, which gathers around 500 people. Norwegian fish will be served, delivered yesterday by the longliner Geir.
To ensure the fish is prepared to the highest standard, the Norwegian Seafood Council has worked together with chef Simon Houlstone, a highly renowned Michelin-starred chef, to set the menu and contribute in the kitchen. During the event, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Marianne Næss will deliver the opening speech and present the Sustainability Award. The Chair of the Board of the Norwegian Seafood Council will present the Takeaway Award.
In June, the winners in all categories will travel to Norway on a study trip, where they will, among other things, go on board one of the vessels that is part of the Norwegian Frozen at Sea cooperation. This year, the longliner Geir will host the visit in Ålesund.