The product was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status because the way the cod and haddock is specially prepared is traditional to the Grimsby area.
The award means that 39 UK products now enjoy protection under the EU Protected Food Name (PFN) scheme.
Under this scheme food names are legally protected on the basis of their link to a specific geographical area or because they are made to a traditional recipe.
Food Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: “We’ve been waiting patiently for Grimsby Smoked Fish to be recognised as a quality, protected product. It reinforces Grimsby’s long established ties with the fishing industry and is further proof that quality British regional food is gaining the wider recognition it deserves.
“Ultimately, we should be alongside France and Italy who between them boast more than 300 protected foods – our food is just as good, if not better than any other European country. We want to see the UK’s regional foods on the world map where they ought to be.”
The application has been a long time in the pipeline but this successful outcome is the result of the close co-operation between Defra officials and members of the producer group.
Celebrating the good news, Richard Enderby from the Grimsby Smoked Fish Producers Association said: “We are delighted at the registration of Grimsby Smoked Fish as a PGI. This status will not only help the traditional fish smokers operating in the port but will also boost the fish processing industry of Grimsby as a whole.
“It is testament to the fact that despite turbulent times throughout its long history, Grimsby remains a premier fish processing centre which has maintained the knowledge and skills that traditional fish smoking embodies.”
Grimsby Smoked Fish Nets EU Approval
UK - Traditional Grimsby Smoked Fish is the latest UK product to be recognised under the EU Regionally Protected Food Names scheme for its quality and regional identity.
