They Say It's All Over...

March 14, 2018 Robert Fernandes

Tonys Talk - They Say It's All Over - But we have great opportunities to show 'em that it isn't... Last April a major market research company stated that Fish ‘n Chips “was in decline” whilst other ‘Quick Service’ food outlets are growing their businesses. According to their survey visits to Fish ‘n Chip shops have decreased by 4.4% since 2009 whereas visits elsewhere have increased by 9.2%! Yet a recent report from the IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution) states that sales from ‘Food-to-go’ specialists will increase by a staggering 51% over the next five years!! If this is only halfway correct we have a fantastic opportunity to get Fish ‘n Chips back on top in its rightful position.

Tonys Talk - They Say It's All Over - But we have great opportunities to show 'em that it isn't...

Last April a major market research company stated that Fish ‘n Chips “was in decline” whilst other ‘Quick Service’ food outlets are growing their businesses. According to their survey visits to Fish ‘n Chip shops have decreased by 4.4% since 2009 whereas visits elsewhere have increased by 9.2% !

Yet a recent report from the IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution) states that sales from ‘Food-to-go’ specialists will increase by a staggering 51% over the next five years!! If this is only halfway correct we have a fantastic opportunity to get Fish ‘n Chips back on top in its rightful position .

So...

- Really publicise the health benefits of eating Fish ‘n Chips which is highly nutritious and cooked freshly for your Customers using completely natural foods. It is neither ‘processed’ nor factory made!

- Push the ‘Lite-BITE’ concept especially at lunchtimes when most people really do not want large portions and often make do with a sandwich.

- Use a thin, light batter at all times for people resent being made to feel ‘bloated’... and control your chip portions. The complaint I hear most about our Trade is that ‘they give you too much!”

- Encourage your Customers to have a portion of peas with their food. It is good for them, constitutes ‘one of their essential 5 a day’, makes their Fish ‘n Chips even more nutritious and healthier, ...and doesn’t do your ‘bottom line’ any harm either!

- Feature options for Vegetarians, there’s a lot of them about - and a greater variety of new vegetarian products available - e.g. the scrumptious ‘CheeseOs’ from Innovate Foods!

- Develop a professional ‘Gluten-Free’ offering and advertise it heavily. Some 27% of the population now choose to avoid gluten and could walk past your shop without ever thinking of entering. Those Friers who are now using our ‘Pulse’ Batter all the time are gaining many new customers and pleasing their existing ones, as well as using a lot less oil!

- Join in with celebrating ‘National Fish & Chip Day’ on June 1st. 2018 ! The incredible exposure our National Dish receives across TV, Radio and all the Media can’t help but boost your business!

- We never stop learning in this life so why not go in for The NFFF Quality Award or enter The National Fish & Chip Awards or Fry Magazine’s ‘Top 50’ contest ? It is the cheapest way to have a ‘consultant’ look at your business practices and although you won’t agree with every comment you are bound to learn something that will improve your business, make life easier - and you can gain much great publicity!

- If you have young people under 26 years of age in your business and have obviously trained them, enter them in this year’s ‘Young Fish Frier’ Competition superbly organised by Drywite Ltd. They will have ‘a ball’ and learn an awful lot that will benefit your business on their return.

So, forget McDonalds, Greggs, Subway, KFC, Pret, Eat, Leon and all the rest, let the Public know that they’ll get better, healthier, more nutritious – and often cheaper food from you!

Enjoy a happy, healthy and profitable 2018!