A FISHMONGER is in the running for an industry award.

The Fresh Fish Shop in Commercial Square, Haywards Heath, is a regional finalist in the Farm Shop and Deli Show 2022 Retailer Awards, made up of some of the country’s best-loved specialist retailers.

Sebastian Candelon, owner and managing director of The Fresh Fish Shop, said he was “immensely proud” to represent Sussex in the awards and said the business has worked hard to serve great produce through sustainable practices.

He said: “With the closure of many hospitality venues during the pandemic, the supply of fresh fish exceeded demand. This had a devastating impact on fishermen forced to reduce the price of their catch.

“Despite this, we have continued to pay a fair price for our fish, making weekly buying commitments with our suppliers and transport agents to enable them to stay afloat. We have also increased our supply for local fisheries, establishing new, stronger relationships.

“We have created a new range of fishcakes with a local catering company, Duffs Diner, which has secured a sustainable use for our premium offcuts, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

“Since 2020, we’ve donated over half a tonne of fish to UKHarvest, a not-for-profit perishable food rescue operation. This partnership has helped to reduce food waste and redistribute surplus food to those who need it most.

“Our aim is to make quality, sustainably sourced, fresh fish affordable and available for all.”

A panel of judges considered how retailers across the country adapted and evolved their businesses to demonstrate innovation and sustainability, whittling hundreds of entries to a list of regional finalists, spanning 12 categories and nine UK regions.

The winners will be revealed live from the Farm Shop and Deli Show at the NEC Birmingham on April 25.

Also nominated for the South East region are farm shop Fridge of Plenty in London, cheesemonger The Grumpy Goat in Reading, village store The Kitchen Larder in Gerrards Cross, Cheese Etc in Reading, farm shop Blue Tin Produce in Ipsden, and village store Basil and Tom’s in London.