On December 1st the Company proudly hosted the 2025 Master Fishmonger Awards (MFS) ceremony, honouring outstanding craftsmanship from across the seafood industry. In a landmark for the standard, the 2025 awards saw the first fishmongers recognised from overseas, with 5 fishmongers from the Republic of Ireland receiving awards.
Established by the Company in 2018 and now under the stewardship of the UK Seafood Federation, the Master Fishmonger Standard recognises excellence in our namesake trade, from those beginning their career, through to those who have dedicated their lives to their craft. Today the Company continues to support the Standard financially, through the use of the Hall and through strategic support from the Company’s Charities Communications Manager Gavin O’Donnell, who opened the awards proceedings.
For the first time the MFS awards were held together with the National Federation of Fishmongers, where President Sue Mackenzie announced the winner of the National Fishmonger of the Year 2025 – which went to Rockpool Fishmongers.
The candidates from ROI were nominated through Bord Iascaigh Mhara’s (BIM’s) Seafood Academy, a dedicated national forum established in July 2025 to support and elevate independent fishmongers. The Academy aims to strengthen business development, enhance commercial sustainability, and ensure long-term financial viability within Ireland’s seafood retail sector.
These seven fishmongers who achieved the Master Tier of the MFS are:
In addition to the above, Alan Mitchell, of Al’s Fish Shop, Portarlington, Co. Laois was awarded Advanced Fishmonger.
Mitch Tonks, founder of the highly successful Rockfish restaurant chain, was sadly unable to attend, but was presented his award by Simon Dwyer, CEO of the UKSF a few days later, where they announced that a cohort of Rockfish fishmongers will begin their assessment on the Standard and that Mitch will now help to develop a specific Chefs tier, recognising excellence in the restaurant industry. You can see him receive his award here:
To earn this distinguished accolade, each fishmonger had to demonstrate excellence across a rigorous set of competencies, including advanced knife skills, product expertise, responsible sourcing, sustainability practices, and outstanding customer service. In addition the top-tier certification recognises exceptional skill, knowledge, and commitment within the within the fishmonger trade.
Speaking at the official awards ceremony at Fishmongers’ Hall, London, BIM’s head of Business Intelligence, Paul Ward said:
“This is a landmark day for Ireland’s independent fishmongers, celebrating the expertise and dedication of local fishmongers and reinforcing the importance of high professional standards in delivering quality seafood to consumers.”
“These professionals represent the very best of the industry – the skill, the passion, and the dedication required to deliver top-quality seafood to Irish consumers every day.”
Mr Ward said: “today’s recognition signals a bright future for Ireland’s seafood retailers, setting a new benchmark of excellence and celebrating the people who keep Ireland’s coastal and culinary traditions thriving.”
Tiago Urbano, Head Fishmonger & Manager, The Fish Shop, Camberley:
“I’m proud to be recognised as a Master Fishmonger. This award reflects years of hard work, dedication, and a passion for fishmongery. It’s an honour to stand alongside others who share the same commitment to keeping traditional skills alive and passing them on to the next generation”
Chris Parker, Wales Seafood Cluster Manager:
‘As an assessor for The Master Fishmonger Standard, I find it incredibly rewarding to witness first-hand how this program promotes exceptional knowledge, craftsmanship, and high standards in the industry. Congratulations to our recent candidates—your awards are well-deserved!’
© The Fishmongers’ Company 2026
