Why is Cod so Pricey? Your Local Chippy Explains

If you’ve found yourself wincing slightly when ordering cod and chips lately, you’re not alone, and your local chippy feels your pain too.

New Cod on the Block in Village Walk, Onchan, has taken to social media to explain why the island’s favourite fish is becoming more expensive than ever, and the short answer is… it’s complicated.

According to the team, cod prices have been rising steadily for several years, but things have now reached what they describe as ‘crazy’ levels.

One of the biggest factors is a significant cut in EU catching quotas, introduced to allow fish stocks to recover.

While that’s good news for the oceans, it’s had the knock-on effect of pushing prices to an all-time high.

Add in rising costs across the board, utilities, staffing, production and transport, and it all starts to stack up.

In fact, New Cod on the Block revealed they’re now paying roughly the same per kilogram for cod as they would for sirloin steak from a local butcher… with warnings that cod could soon cost even more than steak. Let that sink in.

And the bad news doesn’t stop there. Suppliers have warned that prices are expected to rise again by the end of January, with further increases likely during 2026.

So what’s a chippy to do?

Johnny and the team say cod will always remain on the menu, because, let’s face it, it’s cod, but they’re also looking at ways to give customers more choice without breaking the bank.

They’ve tried locally caught pollock in the past, but it didn’t quite win over customers.

This week, they’re giving hake a go instead. From the same family as cod and also a white fish, hake will appear on the menu as a cheaper alternative, coming in at more than £1 less per fillet.

And for those sticking firmly with tradition, the chippy is keen to point out that value hasn’t gone out the window just yet.

A small cod meal is still under £9 for takeaway and under £12 dine-in, which includes bread and butter, a side, tartar sauce and even a tea or coffee. Not too bad, right?

The post ends with a heartfelt thank you from Johnny and the team, who say they truly appreciate customers’ continued support.

So next time you’re queuing up in Village Walk, or any chippy on the island for that matter, just remember that cod has been on quite a journey before it hits your plate!