Turkey prices soar ahead of Christmas in huge blow to UK supermarket shoppers

Turkey prices have soared by double-digits this year in a new blow to Christmas shoppers, an analysis shows. The price of the festive bird has jumped by almost 30% in some supermarkets, according to the retail and food publication The Grocer.

Using data from retail analysts Assosia, The Grocer examined price changes across major UK supermarkets and found significant increases across the board. Industry experts said higher taxes and general inflation has put pressure on prices as supermarkets start rolling out their festive ranges.The steepest price increase was recorded at Tesco, where the supermarket's premium Finest Free-Range Bronze Turkey Crown - in both small and large formats - climbed 27.8%, from £18 per kilo to £23 per kilo this year.

Morrisons followed, with the price of its 'Best' Turkey Crown with Pork, Sage and Red Onion Stuffing up from £20 per kilo to £25 per kilo, marking an increase of 25% in a year.

Ocado's KellyBronze Free Range Extra Large Turkey and M&S' Oakham Turkey with Giblets have both increased in price by more than 20%.

In the frozen lines, the analysis found that Tesco's Frozen Mini Turkey Crown has increased 11.1% versus last year. Morrisons' Frozen Medium Whole Basted Turkey and Frozen Large Turkey Crown are up 10% and 8.3% respectively.

Commenting on the increases, Tesco said that it doesn't reflect what shoppers can get using a Clubcard. Paul Kelly of Kelly Turkeys told The Grocer that retailers are "fed up of not making a profit on the Christmas sales and selling at cost or even below cost".

He added that "turkey farmers had seen significant inflation, predominantly from a massive increase in employers' National Insurance".

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: "While retailers offer choice for customers with range of options at different price points, inflationary pressures on food producers mean that some products have increased in price this year. Nonetheless, retailers are investing into value to reduce the impact to customers as much as possible while still paying suppliers a fair price."

Samuel Mather-Holgate, independent financial adviser at Swindon-based Mather and Murray Financial said: "The only thing getting stuffed this Christmas is the shopper, with inflation on your favourite Chirstmas meat up nearly 30% compared to last years feast.

"Supermarkets seem less keen to push seasonal promos as they want to increase margins which have been squeezed due to grocery inflation. It all makes for a grim Christmas meal."

Scott Gallacher, director at financial planning firm Rowley Turton added: "Families should take care not to be ripped off by shopping around, opting for standard or frozen turkeys, or even considering alternatives such as beef."

Charities have pointed out the pressure rising prices are having on vulnerable people, particularly the elderly on low fixed incomes.

Caroline Abrahams CBE, charity director at Age UK said: "Rising prices for foods of all kinds, including for that traditional staple Turkey, mean that some older people will find it extremely difficult to celebrate in the way they are used to this year.

"Of course, higher food and energy costs impact all of us, but we know that older people living on low or modest fixed incomes are being hit particularly hard."

She added: "It's more important than ever that older people struggling to manage on a low income check if they are entitled to Pension Credit or other benefits, as it could make a life-changing difference."

People living on a low fixed income struggling with living costs can contact Age UK's free Advice line on 0800 678 1602 to check for financial support.

Alternatively, people can visit www.ageuk.org.uk/money or contact their local Age UK for information and advice.