Asda, Lidl and Morrisons understood to be stocking imported branded turkeys to meet Christmas demand
Sarah Butler and Joanna PartridgeSun 21 Dec 2025 06.00 ESTShare
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.”
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.
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