Nippy Chippy, a chip shop in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, has raised eyebrows with its recent price hike. The cost of a large cod and chips has shot up to £15, while a regular portion now sets customers back £12.50. The manager, Brad-Lee Navruz, expressed regret and empathy towards customers, recognizing the strain of the sudden price increase.
Navruz emphasized the impact on customers, stating, “Times are harder as it is. For their Friday treat to go up quite a lot, I do feel for them.” The Nippy Chippy took to social media to acknowledge the difficult business environment and the substantial surge in fish costs.
The surge was attributed to a significant rise in fish costs, contrary to the usual minimal price adjustments. The increase from £10.30 to £12.50 for a normal cod and chips and normal haddock and chips marked a significant jump, leading to visible shock and understanding from customers.
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The annual fishing quotas negotiation, with a 20% drop in cod limits and a 5% decrease in haddock limits, underscores the commitment to long-term sustainability. Navruz’s attempts to introduce alternatives have not gained traction as customers prefer the traditional cod and haddock.
Despite the price surge for fish and chips, the Nippy Chippy retained its customer base, with many opting for less expensive items in response to affordability concerns.
Navruz’s observations were echoed by 77-year-old customer Bob Clapham, a former fish and chip shop owner, who viewed the price surge as inevitable amidst rising costs across various aspects of the business.
With the recently secured fishing quotas agreement, Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner reassured the government’s commitment to supporting the fishing industry, emphasizing sustainable stock levels for the industry’s long-term health.