Cod Prices Increase

 

Fishing quotas in the Atlantic and conflicts around the world have pushed the price of cod higher than ever before, meaning chippies are having to diversify. More and more takeaways are now offering alternative fish species, such as hake, pollock, and monkfish, as lower-priced options. But even with changing menus, there has still been a deluge of chippies closing. At its peak around a century ago, there were approximately 35,000 fish and chip shops across the UK. There are now about 10,000, and industry leaders are concerned more could disappear as prices rise.Margins are tight, and businesses are having to think of new ways to balance the books. It is also difficult to convince the paying public to change their habits, even when a portion of hake is priced at £6.50 compared to £8.20 for cod. As well as diversifying by adding different species of fish to menus, some restaurants believe concentrating on customer service and retaining loyal diners is the key.

BBQ - What price would be too much for fish and chips or is it already too high?

Cod Prices

Hot Sauce Shortages

 

Hot pepper sauce in Caribbean cuisine is as pervasive as ketchup in the US. The fiery flavouring is a staple of dining tables regionwide, the obligatory accompaniment for everything from rice and peas, to curries and stews. And as international palates continue to heat up to the potent taste, a growing number of brands are exported to North America, Europe and Australia, appearing on the shelves of major supermarket chains, from the US's Walmart, to the UK's Tesco, and Woolworths in Australia. But a shortage of the particular chilli pepper used to create the quintessential Caribbean condiment is threatening to stifle supply, while sending costs for the region's producers soaring.A confluence of extreme weather, disease and pests is making core ingredient Scotch bonnet peppers particularly hard to source. The temperamental little, yellow fruit with its susceptibility to heavy rain and viruses can be tough to grow, while devastating hurricanes in Jamaica, a prime producer of Scotch bonnets, delivered a further blow. The Jamaican government has been working to help farmers get back on their feet. That included supplying Scotch bonnet seeds to 650 growers. As the warmer months are now arriving - peak season for both Scotch bonnets and storms - hot sauce manufacturers are keeping their eyes on the weather as well as their profit margins.

BBQ - What would you do if there was a shortage of chili peppers?

Hot Sauce Shortage

World Cup Crisps

 

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Walkers, Doritos and Wotsits are set to launch a major on-pack promotion, alongside football legend-themed Walkers packaging and new flavours. Selected promotional packs of Walkers, Doritos and Wotsits will feature a QR code giving shoppers the chance to win instant prizes. These include FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise, home viewing bundles and food delivery vouchers, as well as entry into a high-value grand prize draw of 2 x £10,000 (or € equivalent). To further celebrate the partnership, a line-up of new, globally inspired flavours is launching across Walkers, Doritos and Wotsits. The range includes three new, limited-edition Walkers flavours: Walkers English Bangers & Mash, Walkers Wavy Spanish Queso and Walkers Max Portuguese Chorizo & Onion. A new Doritos flavour – Mexican Beef Taco – will also be unveiled, which will remain as a permanent addition to the Doritos range following the tournament. Also, Wotsits Golden Balls will launch a limited-edition, Smokin’ Cheese flavour snack.

BBQ - Do these promotions help drive your interest in trying and buying more products?

World Cup Crisps