Key Takeaways
- Several UK supermarkets, including Asda, Lidl, and Morrisons, are sourcing turkeys from mainland Europe to supplement their Christmas stock due to avian flu affecting UK production.
- The majority of turkeys sold in the UK will still be British-sourced, with non-British birds accounting for less than 10% of those expected to be sold.
- The UK poultry industry is experiencing a "bad season" of avian flu, with cases significantly higher than at this point last year, resulting in a squeeze on supplies of Christmas birds.
- Retailers such as Marks & Spencer, the Co-op, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco are committed to selling 100% British turkeys this Christmas.
- The UK consumes more poultry than it produces domestically, making it necessary for retailers to top up their stocks with imported birds to ensure a wide range for customers.
Introduction to the UK’s Turkey Shortage
The UK’s big supermarkets have been forced to take unprecedented measures to ensure a steady supply of turkeys for the Christmas season. Due to the impact of avian flu on UK production, several retailers, including Asda, Lidl, and Morrisons, have sourced turkeys from mainland Europe to supplement their stock. This move is seen as a necessary step to "protect availability" and ensure sufficient supply for festive meals. While the majority of turkeys sold in the UK will still be British-sourced, the fact that some retailers are looking elsewhere for supply is a clear indication of the challenges faced by the UK poultry industry.
The Impact of Avian Flu on UK Poultry Production
The UK poultry industry is experiencing a "bad season" of avian flu, with cases significantly higher than at this point last year. According to the British Poultry Council, there have been 70 confirmed cases of bird flu across the UK in less than three months, with the vast majority occurring in England. This has resulted in a squeeze on supplies of Christmas birds, including turkeys, chickens, and ducks. The UK consumes more poultry than it produces domestically, making it necessary for retailers to top up their stocks with imported birds to ensure a wide range for customers. However, the current outbreak of avian flu has made it challenging for retailers to source birds from within the UK, leading to a reliance on European suppliers.
Retailers’ Response to the Shortage
Retailers such as Asda, Lidl, and Morrisons have responded to the shortage by sourcing turkeys from mainland Europe. Morrisons is stocking Bernard Matthews-branded turkey from Poland, while Asda is selling a Cherrywood-branded turkey crown from mainland Europe. Lidl has also sourced a small proportion of its branded frozen turkey from the EU. Other retailers, such as Marks & Spencer, the Co-op, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco, have committed to selling 100% British turkeys this Christmas. The Co-op’s managing director, Matt Hood, emphasized the importance of supporting British farmers, stating that the retailer is "proud to be selling 100% British turkeys this Christmas, as we work all year round to support farmers, in support of our commitment to backing Britain and to only sell British meat and poultry."
The Challenges Faced by Smaller Retailers
Smaller retailers are likely to find it harder to source birds or may have to raise prices to cover higher costs. The shortage of turkeys and other Christmas birds may have a disproportionate impact on smaller retailers, who may not have the same level of resources or supply chain resilience as larger retailers. However, the National Farmers’ Union has emphasized that British poultry farmers are not aware of widespread shortages, despite the outbreak. The union’s chair of the national poultry board, Will Raw, stated that "we have measures in place" to ensure the welfare of birds and minimize disruption to the supply chain.
The Importance of Supporting British Farmers
The current shortage of turkeys and other Christmas birds highlights the importance of supporting British farmers. The UK consumes more poultry than it produces domestically, making it essential to support local producers to ensure a stable and resilient supply chain. Will Raw emphasized the importance of looking out for British or the union jack when purchasing poultry, stating that "what we produce is to the highest standards possible – the welfare and care of the birds is at the forefront of what we do." By supporting British farmers, consumers can help ensure that the UK poultry industry remains viable and sustainable in the long term.