FISH and chip shops across Sunraysia have been busy preparing all week for their busiest day of the year.
Those who choose fish as the flesh of choice on Good Friday, largely due to religious beliefs, are said to be the reason behind the spike in sales at takeaway outlets.
15th and Walnut Convenience Shop and Valencia Food Store owner Brian Cameron said he expected sales would be well and truly up compared to a usual Friday.
“We have been preparing since Monday,” he said. “Across both sites we have 300 to 350 pieces of fish prepared and go through 20 boxes of chips.
“It’s our biggest trading day of the year … compared to a normal Friday we will be up by 250 per cent.
“Not only are people wanting fish on Good Friday for religious reasons but it’s a good, relatively cheap and healthy option.”
Butchers are also expected to see a rise in sales this weekend.
The Bulk Butcher Mildura owner Gerard Warburton said while Easter was always a busy time for his store, he had seen a change in what products are more popular.
“It’s one of our biggest times of year,” Mr Warburton said. “It’s busier than Christmas in terms of seafood.
“While there is a focus on fish on Good Friday, we have seen people broader what they have beyond that, especially this time of year with lobsters the price they are now.
“They are about half-price to what they normally are, so they are fairly popular.
“They aren’t exporting as many as they would, so they are more readily available on the domestic market.”
Mr Warburton said other popular seafood options this year are oysters, Moreton Bay bugs and scallops.
