Several of the UK’s big supermarkets have been forced to source turkeys from elsewhere in Europe to keep shelves stocked this Christmas, after avian flu curtailed UK production.
Asda, Lidl and Morrisons are understood to be stocking branded turkey imported from mainland Europe – a move industry sources described as “unprecedented” – to “protect availability” and ensure sufficient supply for festive meals.
All three retailers’ own-label fresh and frozen turkeys will be entirely British-sourced. However, Morrisons is stocking Bernard Matthews-branded turkey from Poland, and Asda is selling a Cherrywood-branded turkey crown from mainland Europe.
Lidl said a small proportion of its branded frozen turkey, sold under the Gressingham label, was sourced from the EU.
More than one industry source claimed Aldi was also sourcing turkeys from Europe. The retailer was approached for comment.
It is understood that non-British birds will account for less than 10% of those expected to be sold.
Retailers often top up their stocks with imported birds to ensure a wide range for customers during the Christmas season, according to a spokesperson for the industry body the British Poultry Council.
However, one industry source said: “Only in exceptional circumstances would we consider alternatives [to UK birds] to maintain availability for customers.”
Bird flu has squeezed UK supplies of Christmas birds. Photograph: Edster1980/Getty/iStockphoto
Marks & Spencer said all its turkey was sourced from Britain or Ireland, where it also had a commitment to local sourcing. The Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Tesco said their turkey was entirely British-sourced.
Matt Hood, a managing director at the Co-op, said: “We are 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.
“We understand the extreme pressure poultry farmers are currently facing, specifically turkey farms, where the focus is so skewed to this time of year. It is very important retailers support and invest in British farming industry to ensure it can weather the many ups and downs nature throws at it.”
UK poultry producers are battling a “bad season” of avian flu, according to the British Poultry Council, with cases significantly higher than at this point last year, squeezing supplies of Christmas birds including turkeys, chickens and ducks.
There have been 70 confirmed cases of bird flu across the UK less than three months into this season, the vast majority in England. That figure is close to the 81 cases recorded across the whole of the previous season, which ran from 1 October 2024 to 30 September this year.
The UK consumes more poultry than it produces domestically. Photograph: Farlap/Alamy
Birdkeepers in England were ordered to house flocks of more than 50 birds indoors from 6 November. The ruling extended earlier measures covering northern, central and some parts of eastern England amid escalating outbreaks in captive and wild birds. A housing order came into force in Wales on 13 November.
More than 5% of the UK’s Christmas poultry flock – including turkeys, ducks and chickens – representing about 300,000 birds, are thought to have been culled so far this season.
Smaller retailers are likely to find it harder to source birds, or may have to raise prices to cover higher costs.
British poultry farmers are not aware of widespread shortages despite the outbreak, according to Will Raw, the chair of the national poultry board at the National Farmers’ Union. The UK consumes more poultry than it produces domestically.
“My heart goes out to anyone affected but we have measures in place,” said Raw, who farms broiler chickens in Yorkshire. “We have learned a lot of lessons from 2022-23 experience and we had housing measures in place a lot sooner. We have worked a lot with government to ensure not only the welfare of the birds, but that there isn’t disruption to the supply chain.”
He added: “We ask customers always to look out for British or the union jack. What we produce is to the highest standards possible – the welfare and care of the birds is at the forefront of what we do.”
