Why Turkey Prices Are Up 40% But You Might Not Pay More

Wholesale Turkey Price Increases

• 📈 Wholesale turkey prices are up approximately 40% year-over-year, rising from 94¢ to about $1.32 per pound.
• 📉 This increase is attributed to a shrinking turkey supply, with farmers raising fewer birds than in previous years.
• ⚠️ Avian flu outbreaks are significantly impacting producers, leading to the loss of millions of turkeys nationwide.

Retailer Strategies and Consumer Savings

• 💡 Retailers are using turkeys as a loss leader to attract customers into their stores during the holiday season.
• 💰 Stores like Walmart and Aldi are offering aggressive deals, such as Butterball turkeys for 97 cents per pound.
• 🍽️ Aldi is also providing a full Thanksgiving meal package for 10 people at around $40, offering significant value.
• ✅ Economists note that despite wholesale cost increases, consumers may see prices similar to last year due to these retailer promotions.

Thanksgiving Dinner Outlook

• 📊 Staple Thanksgiving items like butter, milk, and potatoes have not seen significant price changes from the previous year.
• 🦃 The majority of surveyed individuals (89%) plan to celebrate Thanksgiving, with 84% intending to have turkey as the centerpiece of their meal.