A recent report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicates that turkey prices may increase by as much as 40% this year. This surge is attributed to supply constraints and heightened wholesale costs, exacerbated by outbreaks of bird flu that have significantly impacted turkey farms. According to Dr. David Anderson, a professor and extension economist at Texas A&M University, these factors have led to a reduced turkey supply, resulting in increased prices at wholesale markets.
In Northeast Ohio, grocery stores are actively competing to offer the best prices to consumers. Some outlets have managed to keep prices lower than last year, with the cheapest turkey currently priced at 49 cents per pound at Meijer, followed closely by 69 cents per pound at Dave’s Markets. Many retailers have also introduced quantity limits, typically allowing customers to purchase only one or two turkeys each.
Experts recommend that consumers take advantage of these promotions, especially as frozen turkeys remain significantly more affordable than their fresh counterparts. Many fresh turkeys that will be served at Thanksgiving dinners are still on farms, leading to varying prices as the holiday approaches. Jennifer Thornton from Buttercream and Olive Oil advises families to think beyond traditional Thanksgiving meals when planning their turkey use. “Consider how you would use chicken,” she suggests, encouraging creative meal planning.
Dr. Anderson further notes that larger grocery chains have managed to keep their prices competitive. They secure turkey supply contracts months in advance, allowing them to insulate their pricing from recent market fluctuations. “They contracted eight or ten months ago for their turkey supply for what they need now,” he explained, highlighting how this foresight has helped them avoid the current price spikes.
As the holiday season approaches and with stores offering competitive deals, experts encourage consumers to compare prices and purchase early. They also recommend stocking up while supplies last to ensure availability.
Weekly price tracking of grocery items is ongoing, with a focus on essentials such as milk, bread, and various meats. This initiative aims to help consumers find the best deals across stores in the region.
In addition to tracking turkey prices, the Don’t Waste Your Money team is monitoring promotions on a variety of grocery items, from meat discounts to low-cost cereal, providing valuable insights for savvy shoppers.
For those looking for the best deals, the price landscape remains dynamic, and early shopping could yield significant savings as Thanksgiving approaches.
