Slim pickings: Frozen turkeys dwindle amid labour shortage and consumer spending splurge
There is slim availability of frozen turkeys, which prompted fears over Christmas after Covid-19 curbed festivities last year, according to the latest research.
Around 18 per cent of stores stocking the Christmas dinner staple in the UK had either “low” stock or “none” at all, market researcher Kantar found, although supplies have increased slightly since last week.
“Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without turkey on the table, as the birds are flying out of the deep freeze faster than supermarkets can stock up again,” senior investment analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, Susannah Streeter said.
The country’s current labour shortage which has hit both supermarkets and meat processing plants is a large culprit behind the trickling supply of turkeys.
However, an increasing number of consumers being thrown into action for fear of missing out on the prized bird has not helped with supplies.
“Consumers have taken warnings to heart about the potential for a big gap on the festive menu and many have been stocking up many weeks before the big day,” Streeter added.
With six weeks left until Christmas, the shortages could see stores missing out on an opportunity to cash in on consumers’ current spending spree.
Largely due to more than a year of emergency pandemic restrictions, and more hope that such measures lie in the past, there is growing evidence that shoppers have been spending more in the run up to Christmas – but also on delayable purchases, Streeter explained.
“After weeks of feeling under the weather, trying to stave of the scourge of viruses, many shoppers are clearly keen to get into the festive spirit.
“They are ticking off the shopping lists early to ensure the celebrations aren’t marred by a lack of planning and pesky supply chain problems.”