Several major UK supermarkets have been forced to source turkey from other European countries to keep their shelves stocked this time around. Christmasafter bird flu cut UK production.
Asda, Lidl and Morrisons It is understood they are sourcing branded turkeys imported from mainland Europe – a move industry sources call “unprecedented” – to “protect availability” and ensure there is enough supply for holiday dinners.
All three retailers' fresh and frozen private label turkeys will be 100% UK produced. However, Morrisons sources Bernard Matthews brand turkeys from Poland and Asda sells Cherrywood branded crown turkeys from the mainland. Europe.
Lidl said a small portion of its signature frozen turkey sold under the Gressingham brand was produced in the EU.
Several industry sources said Aldi also sources turkeys from Europe. The retailer has been contacted for comment.
It is expected that non-British birds will make up less than 10% of the total number of birds expected to be sold.
Retailers often restock their stocks with imported poultry to ensure shoppers have a wide range of choice during the Christmas season, according to a spokesman for industry body the British Poultry Council.
However, one industry source said: “Only in exceptional circumstances will we consider alternatives.” [to UK birds] to maintain availability for customers.”
Marks & Spencer said all turkey comes from the UK or Ireland, where it has also committed to sourcing locally. The Co-op, Sainsbury's and Tesco have said their turkeys are 100% UK produced.
Matt Hood, managing director of the Co-op, said: “We are proud to be selling 100% British turkeys this Christmas as we work to support farmers all year round, in support of our commitment to supporting the UK and selling only British meat and poultry.
“We understand the enormous pressure poultry farmers are currently facing, particularly turkey farms where the focus is on this time of year. It is vital that retailers support and invest in the British farming industry to ensure it can withstand the many ups and downs nature throws at it.”
British poultry producers are struggling “bad season” of bird fluAccording to the British Poultry Council, cases are significantly higher than last year, leading to a decline in stocks of Christmas birds, including turkeys, chickens and ducks.
In less than three months into this season, there have been 70 confirmed cases of bird flu in the UK, the vast majority of which are in England. The figure is close to the 81 cases recorded for the entire previous season, which ran from October 1, 2024, to September 30 this year.
Poultry keepers in England have been ordered to house flocks of more than 50 birds indoors from November 6. The ruling extended earlier measures to the north, central and parts of eastern England amid escalating outbreaks in captive and wild birds. Housing order came into force in Wales November 13.
More than 5% of the UK's Christmas poultry flock – including turkeys, ducks and chickens – amounting to around 300,000 birds, is believed to have been slaughtered this season.
Smaller retailers will likely have a harder time finding birds, or may have to raise prices to cover higher costs.
British poultry farmers are unaware of widespread shortages despite the outbreak, according to Will Rowe, chairman of the national poultry council at the National Farmers Union. The UK consumes more poultry than it produces domestically.
“My heart goes out to everyone affected, but we have measures in place,” said Rowe, who raises broiler chickens in Yorkshire. “We have learned many lessons from the 2022-23 experience and put housing measures in place much earlier. We have worked hard with the government to ensure not only the welfare of the birds but also that there is no disruption to the supply chain.”
He added: “We ask customers to always look for Britons or Union Jacks. What we produce is of the highest standards – the welfare and care of birds is at the forefront of what we do.”
