A Christmas crisis is brewing in the UK, and it's not just about the presents under the tree. With avian flu wreaking havoc on poultry farms, supermarkets are scrambling to secure their festive feasts. The UK's beloved Christmas turkeys are under threat, and retailers are taking drastic measures to keep the tradition alive.
Several major UK supermarkets, including Asda, Lidl, and Morrisons, have made the unprecedented move of importing turkeys from mainland Europe to ensure their shelves are stocked this Christmas. This decision, described as "unprecedented" by industry sources, is a strategic move to "protect availability" and meet the high demand for festive meals.
While the retailers' own-label fresh and frozen turkeys will remain British-sourced, some branded options are coming from Poland and other European countries. For example, Morrisons is offering Bernard Matthews-branded turkey from Poland, and Asda has a Cherrywood-branded turkey crown from mainland Europe.
Lidl has also confirmed that a small portion of its branded frozen turkey, sold under the Gressingham label, is sourced from the EU. And it's not just the big names; even smaller retailers are feeling the pressure to source birds or face raising prices to cover increased costs.
But here's where it gets controversial: industry sources claim that non-British birds will account for less than 10% of the total expected sales. This means that the majority of turkeys on UK tables this Christmas will still be homegrown.
Marks & Spencer, The Co-op, Sainsbury's, and Tesco have all confirmed that their turkey offerings are entirely British-sourced. Matt Hood, a managing director at The Co-op, emphasized their commitment to backing British farmers and selling only British meat and poultry.
"We understand the challenges poultry farmers face, especially during this time of year," Hood said. "It's crucial for retailers to support and invest in the British farming industry to help it navigate the ups and downs of nature."
The British Poultry Council describes this as a "bad season" for UK poultry producers, with avian flu cases significantly higher than last year. This has led to a squeeze on supplies of Christmas birds, including turkeys, chickens, and ducks.
As of early November, there have been 70 confirmed cases of bird flu across the UK, with the majority in England. This is already close to the 81 cases recorded for the entire previous season, which ran from October 2024 to September 2025.
To combat the spread, birdkeepers in England were ordered to house flocks of more than 50 birds indoors from November 6th. Similar measures were implemented in Wales on November 13th. As a result, it's estimated that more than 5% of the UK's Christmas poultry flock, including turkeys, ducks, and chickens, have been culled so far this season, representing around 300,000 birds.
Despite these challenges, Will Raw, the chair of the national poultry board at the National Farmers' Union, believes there won't be widespread shortages. He explained that the UK consumes more poultry than it produces domestically, and the industry has learned from past experiences.
"We've put measures in place to protect both the birds and the supply chain," Raw said. "Our focus is on the welfare of the birds and ensuring a stable supply for our customers."
So, as you prepare for your Christmas feast, remember the challenges faced by UK poultry farmers this year. And this is the part most people miss: the importance of supporting local producers and ensuring the sustainability of our food systems. With avian flu a constant threat, it's a delicate balance between tradition and resilience.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think importing European turkeys is a necessary evil, or should retailers focus solely on supporting British farmers? Let's discuss in the comments!
