Fenland Chippies Embrace Tilapia Amid Rising Cod Prices

Fenland fish and chip shops are turning to tilapia and other alternative fish like hake and pollock as cod prices rise due to supply shortages, encouraging consumers to try new options.

Fenland Fish and Chip Shops Explore New Fish Options

Fish and chip shops in Fenland are expanding their sourcing to include more affordable fish varieties as the prices of traditional cod and haddock continue to rise.

The National Federation of Fish Friers has reported that reductions in cod stocks in the Barents Sea have caused supply chain shortfalls. The federation encourages consumers to be open to trying alternative fish species.

"Customers were very cautious when I started selling tilapia, they thought it was too good to be true, but I told them, if you try it and don't like it, I'll refund you. I have not had to return any money yet,"

said Miguel Costa, who operates the Riverside fish and chip shop in March, Cambridgeshire. He began a trial with tilapia three months ago and notes that locals have responded positively.

John Devine/BBC A white dinner plate with fish and chips on it, a fryer is visible too, in a fish and chip shop. — Tilapia is proving a big hit in Fenland with its white flaky texture and meatiness, and costs less than traditional fish, Costa says

New Fish Varieties Gaining Popularity

Mark Petrou, an award-winning fish and chip shop owner in nearby Chatteris, believes hake, pollock, and saithe are emerging as popular alternatives and may eventually replace cod as the preferred choice due to cost considerations.

Costa, originally from Portugal, a country renowned for its seafood, explains the appeal of tilapia.

"Tilapia originates from the Middle East and Africa, it is now extensively farmed. Cod and haddock are so expensive now that tilapia seems the obvious choice, very tasty and affordable for everyone,"

he said.

He sells a large tilapia for £5, compared to £9.40 for a large cod.

A brown compact round fish lying on a bed of ice in a fishmonger's — The firmness of tilapia flesh makes it excellent for pan-frying, grilling, or deep-frying in a crisp beer batter, BBC Good Food says

Mark Petrou, who has been in the fish and chip industry for 40 years and runs Petrou Brothers in Chatteris, adds historical context.

"People don't realise, but cod was not the go-to fish when fish and chip shops started about 160 years ago,"

he said, revealing that dab was originally the common fish used.

"We have enjoyed cod too much and hake is a front runner to replace it, it is more sustainable, more affordable, and you'll be delighted not only with the flavour, but what you've got left in your pocket as well,"

he added.

John Devine/BBC Mark Petrou has a grey beard and moustache and has a black woolly hat on, with a black, white and yellow snood around his neck, he has a black fleece top with black shirt under that, behind him are cold fizzy drinks in a chill cabinet. — Mark Petrou says its time to "give cod a rest, and be more adventurous" when it comes to a fish supper

Industry Perspective on Alternative Fish Choices

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, stated that many fish and chip shops are incorporating alternative fish species into their menus to complement traditional cod and haddock.

"Species such as hake, pollock and saithe are fantastic alternatives with great flavour and are often under utilised so they can be sold at a lower price point,"

he said.

"Tilapia is another nice white fish that is much cheaper wholesale than cod. It is usually farmed in Asia just as species like Pangasius (Basa). It is another alternative which people are having great success with,"

he added.

Consumers in Fenland and beyond are encouraged to be adventurous in their fish choices as the industry adapts to changing supply and price dynamics.

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