A ‘stay at home’ Christmas might cut supplies of traditional turkey

As more people choose to stay at home this year, there could be a shortage of traditional Christmas turkeys. But consumers are urged to shop around, as some retailers are reportedly inflating prices well above the 10% expected increase.

This was the message from Mick Binder, chairman of the Traditional Farmfresh Turkey Association (TFTA).

“In the current financial climate all the signs are that more people will be saving money and celebrating Christmas day at home this year, rather than eating out or going abroad,” says Mr Binder.

“Couple this with a 3% decline in placing of turkey poults during the summer months, and there’s unlikely to be any surplus birds around this year,” he said.

Reports suggest that some stores are charging significantly more for turkeys this Christmas, with one retailer’s prices up as much as 75%.

“Our costs have gone up by about 10% and that’s as much as most of our members will be putting up their prices,” says Mr Binder.

“In these difficult times our message to consumers is that turkey represents great value. Turkey will be a great deal cheaper than alternatives such as ribs of beef, which have gone up in price far more over the past year,” he said.

“When buying a turkey for the family it represents far more than a single meal,” he adds.

TFTA members produce the Golden Promise turkeys with the EU “Traditional Speciality Guarantee” of old-fashioned flavour and quality. They are sold through butchers and farm shops throughout the country.

A variety of turkey recipes ideal for use with turkey leftovers from Christmas day can be found on the association’s website