The second annual search for Australia’s best fish and chip shop gets underway on 1 August, with more than 100,000 votes expected to be cast in the national competition.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Anne Ruston has encouraged all consumers to have their say in the 2018 Australian Fish and Chips Awards.
“Fish and chips are an Australian icon and we all have a favorite local shop,” said Ruston.
Last year the contest garnereed 100,000 votes from more than 800 stores. This year, there were already 2,000 shops registered by 28 June.
"There’s no time to ‘mullet’ over, and whether you prefer grilled, battered or crumbed, voting will be hotly contested," Ruston said. “It is important to recognize the success stories in the seafood industry and the hard work of our fishers who bring the food to our table.”
Buying local, Ruston added, helps support local Australian fishermen and assert the country's status as "having some of the freshest and most sustainable seafood in the world."
Voting in all states and territories runs for six weeks until 16 September, with the winners to be announced on 15 October. The competition comprises two categories: a people’s choice and a judge’s choice.
The awards are coordinated by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, in partnership with the state and territory fishing industry councils.
