One of UK consumers' most important seafood staples is showing a troubling decline in sales as inflation levels not seen for 40 years push up average prices.

Sales of frozen cod fish fingers at UK retail dropped by more than a quarter in the 52 weeks through late April, compared to the same period last year, while the average price per kilo surged, according to the latest figures from market research firm Nielsen.

Cod fish fingers sales fell 20 percent in value to £76 million (€89.4