Members of the general public, as well as from the fish trade itself, gathered to watch competitors in the UK’s National Federation of Fishmongers (NFF) annual British Fish Craft Championships at the end of August. It took place in Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay.
In a series of eight competitions, of which contenders for the championship have to enter five, fishmongers from around the UK demonstrated their skills at preparing and presenting fish for retail sale. The competitions were mainly concerned with filleting, skinning, portioning and steaking various fish including halibut, salmon, trout and flat fish.
Other competitions featured shellfish, and also poultry which is often sold by fishmongers. The title of Craftsman of the Year was awarded to Mike Crates of E Ashton (Fishmongers) Ltd of Cardiff who amassed the highest overall score and walked off with the brand new shield commissioned for the championship by the Fishmongers’ Company.
A fish blocksman (filleter/cutter), Mike Crates has been working with fish since he left school 41 years ago. He started competing in the championship straightaway and became junior champion in the early 1970s. Since then he has been trying for the top spot and this year finally made it.
According to Gary Hooper, immediate past president of the NFF, the craft championship competitions have played an important role in promoting fishmongering skills to the public "and in acknowledging the many talented fishmongers there are in the UK".
All too often now, of course, customers, particularly in supermarkets, are presented with ready portioned and packaged fish to place in an oven and then serve. However, supermarket staff can still be called upon to fillet or skin fish for customers and more supermarket staff are taking part in the championship.
Supermarkets
This year, a competitor from Morrisons came seventh in the championship, while one from Tesco was eleventh. Staff from Sainsbury’s, as well as Tesco and Morrisons, also featured in individual competitions.
Gary Hooper welcomes the involvement of the supermarket chains and said that this year there were more supermarket staff competing in the championship than ever before. "It is great to see the supermarkets getting involved with independent fishmongers and processors. As the supermarkets have grown and their offer broadened they are the natural progression for the fishmongers of the future.
"Many of the supermarkets are opening more and more stores with fish counters and with that will come increased knowledge and focus. However, these people need to be trained. I, myself, have developed a level 2 diploma award for Tesco to increase the skill levels of their fishmongers, which is showing great benefits.’"
Before moving to Cardiff in 2008, after receiving support from Cardiff Council and the Welsh Assembly Government, the championships had been a regular event at Hay’s Galleria in London. However, in their early days they had taken place in many port locations and exhibition centres as part of fish festivals.
But wherever they have been held they have attracted crowds who have been fascinated by the dexterity with which fish have been skinned, filleted, portioned, etc; skills which could be in danger of disappearing given the advent of ready meals and other value-added seafood dishes.
