Several major British supermarkets have been forced to source turkeys from elsewhere in Europe to keep their shelves stocked this Christmas, after bird flu reduced British production.
Asda, Lidl and Morrisons will reportedly stock branded turkey imported from mainland Europe – a move described as “unprecedented” by industry sources – to “protect availability” and ensure sufficient supplies for festive meals.
Fresh and frozen turkeys from all three retailers will be sourced entirely from the UK. However, Morrisons stocks Bernard Matthews brand turkey from Poland and Asda sells Cherrywood brand turkey crown from mainland Europe.
Lidl said a small proportion of its branded frozen turkey, sold under the Gressingham label, came from the EU.
More than one industry source has claimed that Aldi also sources turkeys from Europe. The retailer has been contacted for comment.
It is understood that non-UK birds will make up less than 10% of those expected to be sold.
Retailers often top up their stocks with imported birds to ensure a wide range of products for customers over the Christmas period, according to a spokesperson for industry body the British Poultry Council.
However, an industry source said: “Only in exceptional circumstances would we consider alternatives. [to UK birds] to maintain availability for customers.
Marks & Spencer said all of its turkey was sourced from Britain or Ireland, where it was also committed to sourcing locally. The Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Tesco said their turkey was sourced entirely from the UK.
Matt Hood, managing director of the Co-op, said: “We are proud to be selling 100% British turkeys this Christmas, as we work all year round to support farmers, supporting our commitment to supporting Britain and selling only British meat and poultry.
“We understand the extreme pressure currently facing poultry farmers, particularly turkey farms, where there is so much focus on this time of year. It is very important that retailers support and invest in the UK farming industry to ensure it can withstand the many ups and downs that nature throws at it.”
Britain’s poultry producers are battling a “bad season” of bird flu, according to the British Poultry Council, with cases significantly higher than the same time last year, reducing stocks of Christmas birds including turkeys, chickens and ducks.
There have been 70 confirmed cases of bird flu in the UK less than three months into this season, the vast majority in England. This figure is close to the 81 cases recorded over the entire previous season, which ran from October 1, 2024 to September 30 of this year.
Birdwatchers in England have been ordered to house flocks of more than 50 birds indoors from November 6. The decision extended previous measures covering the north, central and parts of eastern England, amid growing outbreaks in captive and wild birds. A housing order came into force in Wales on November 13.
It is estimated that more than 5% of the UK’s Christmas poultry flocks – including turkeys, ducks and chickens – representing around 300,000 birds, have been culled so far this season.
Smaller retailers will likely have a harder time sourcing birds or will have to raise prices to cover higher costs.
British poultry farmers are unaware of widespread shortages despite the outbreak, according to Will Raw, chair 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 Raw, who raises broilers in Yorkshire. “We have learned a lot of lessons from the 2022-23 experience and we put housing measures in place much earlier. We have worked extensively 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 our customers to always look out for the British or Union Jack. What we produce meets the highest possible standards – the welfare and care of birds is at the forefront of what we do.”
