In cod we trust - battered chippies are beating the credit crunch

In recent weeks we have seen evidence that fast-food outlets are benefitting from the fall in consumer confidence. Now it appears that even the traditional fish & chip shop (long thought to be in the decline phase of the product life cycle) is enjoying a new period of sales growth…

According to figures released by Seafish, fish and chip shops throughout the UK have seen an increase in customers and sales for the first time in five years as more people choose to save money and spend the evening at home with a takeaway.

According to the NPD Crest statistics, the number of people going to fast-food restaurants rose by 3.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the previous year.

As chippies reap some benefit from the economic downturn, mid-market eateries are facing an uncertain future. One in every 100 pounds spent on food is in a fish and chip shop, equating to more than 276 million meals of fish and chips sold every year from almost 10,500 shops.

Andy Gray from Seafish, said: “At a time when eating out is more expensive, people still want to treat themselves and the trend we are experiencing is that customers are turning to takeaway options such as fish and chips.

“The current financial climate is undeniably tougher across the board but in terms of value for money, fish and chips is in a strong position, offering a nutritious meal that won’t break the bank.”

Eating in is the new going out! Fish and chip outlets as well as successful businesses such as Dominos seem to be reaping the benefits.