Last updated: 1 October, 2024 @ 11:42
Leading UK seafood company Young’s has unveiled a ‘Jumbo Cod Special’ which it says will appeal to consumers wanting the genuine takeaway experience of the local chippy at home.
Replicating the jumbo-sized portions of cod found in fish and chip shops across the United Kingdom, the new product has been launched in response to what Young’s says is the ‘growing number of consumers looking for tasty, affordable alternatives to the local takeaway, at a time when the cost of an average fish and chip meal has risen to over £10.88’.
In August 2024, the UK’s Office for National Statistics reported that the average price of fish and chips has risen 52% since 2019.
Weighing in at 240g per fillet, and with a recommended retail price of £6.75, the ‘Jumbo Cod Special Fillets’ are more than twice the size of Young’s bestselling ‘Chip Shop Large Cod Fillets’.’
Coated in the brand’s signature crispy, bubbly batter, the seafood firm says the new product offers ‘the perfect hassle-free treat for fish and chip afficionados’.
‘Ultimate taste of the chippy at home’
Matthew Wilson, marketing controller for Young’s Chip Shop brand, said: “Young’s Chip Shop is loved by consumers for its succulent fillets and crispy bubbly batter, which is reflected in the strong growth we’ve seen for the brand over the past year.
“Consumers told us they wanted a true jumbo-sized fish from their favourite Chip Shop brand so they could even better replicate the taste of the fish and chip takeaway at home, which is where the inspiration for our Jumbo Cod Special came from.
“With the same taste and texture that shoppers love in a larger format, the new Jumbo Cod Special really does deliver on our promise to offer the ultimate taste of the chippy at home.”
‘Other sources of fish that are cheaper’
Meanwhile, Jimmy Buchan, chief executive of the Scottish Seafood Association and head of successful seafood business Amity Fish (and original star of the BBC ‘Trawlermen’ television series), told the commercial industry publication Fishing News that the high cost of a fish supper was an indication of the ‘stark reality of the rising cost of living’, and that more needed to be done to promote more affordable alternatives.
“I know everyone can’t afford a fish supper at £10, it’s becoming a luxury, but there are other sources of fish that are cheaper,” he said.
“In Scotland there is an abundance of smaller-sized haddock that would make great fish and chips.
“We’ve got this vision that we want a whale on our plate for a fish supper, but we have to realise there’s a great source of quality Scottish fish in the seas waiting to be harvested.”
Battered mackerel
A favourite Fish Face Seafood Blog alternative, and more affordable, to traditional cod and chips is to use super fresh mackerel fillets.
Mackerel can be substituted in any recipe for battered cod or haddock – simply reduce the cooking time accordingly (and serve with a squeeze of lime, and not lemon!)
There’s a good recipe in Rick Stein’s Road to Mexico for Battered mackerel with mayo, chilli sauce, and lime.
We haven’t yet reviewed Road to Mexico, but the book is available to buy at Amazon.