A large cross‑section of Norway’s whitefish sector is in London this week to discuss market outlooks and ensure British buyers continue to prioritise Norwegian cod and haddock for fish and chips.
Tariffs, rising protectionism and higher prices driven by lower quotas are creating headwinds for Norway’s frozen‑at‑sea fleet and exporters.
Norway‑UK Seafood Summit at Fishmongers’ Hall
The Norway‑UK Seafood Summit, hosted by the Norwegian Seafood Council, has become a fixed annual meeting point and is being held at Fishmongers’ Hall by London Bridge.
The event brings together almost 150 stakeholders from across the supply chain, including major UK retailers, leading importers and a range of smaller operators, with close to 20 journalists attending the programme.
“The seminar has become one of the most important meeting places in the United Kingdom for seafood. We have 250 seats available and 70 people on the waiting list. It is simply packed,” said Bjørn‑Erik Stabell, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s envoy to London.
Direct Dialogue With UK Buyers
“The seminar has become a very important arena where Norwegian representatives from both the fleet and exporters meet critical British customers in direct dialogue. We also greatly appreciate that Fisheries and Oceans Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss is taking part,” said Odd Kristian Dahle, head of information at Fiskebåt.
On Tuesday morning, an internal meeting is scheduled between the Norwegian delegation — the Norwegian Frozen at Sea (NFAS) group — and the board of the Norwegian Seafood Council to air shared challenges facing the whitefish industry.
National Fish and Chips Awards on Wednesday
On Wednesday 25 February, The National Fish and Chips Awards will name the best UK fish and chips operators across 15 categories. Norway’s whitefish industry is the main sponsor, administered through the Norwegian Seafood Council. Around 500 guests will attend, with Norwegian fish on the menu, supplied yesterday by the longliner Geir.
To ensure quality preparation, the Seafood Council has set the menu with chef Simon Houlstone, a well‑known Michelin‑starred chef, who will also support in the kitchen. Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss will deliver the opening address and present the Sustainability Award, while the chair of the Norwegian Seafood Council will present the Takeaway Award.
Winners to Visit Norway in June
In June, winners in all categories will travel to Norway for a study tour, which will include time on board a vessel in the Norwegian Frozen at Sea collaboration. This year, the longliner Geir will host the visit in Ålesund.
