Thanksgiving Turkey Prices Rise Amid Supply Chain Shortage

Pandemic-driven shortages and supply chain hiccups have led to higher prices for turkeys this Thanksgiving.

Butterball CEO Jay Jandrain stopped by ABC’s Good Morning America on Friday to discuss the shortage, suggesting that those looking for smaller turkeys start preparing to buy their main dish soon.

“We recommend that if you’re looking for a smaller bird you get out early,” Jandrain said. “We are already seeing some pretty brisk sales at the retail level, particularly with regard to the smaller turkeys. Really it’s brought about because of the challenges we’ve all experienced with COVID and the labor shortages that we’ve had.”

Jandrain continued, “Typically a 10 to 12 pound [turkey] up to 14 pounds is going to be more difficult. Anything over 16 pounds – they’ll certainly be more readily available.” 

Back in September, the Wall Street Journal reported that some supermarkets had already begun placing orders to meet November’s demand.

While WSJ projected rising bird prices, Krishnakumar Davey, president of client engagement at IRI, told GMA that turkey isn’t the only Thanksgiving item seeing skyrocketing prices; in fact, most of the holiday’s mainstays are seeing prices that are five to 10 percent higher than last year. 

“Turkey is the most economical part of the meal, quite frankly,” Davey said. “On average it’s around a dollar a pound. It’s hard to find a protein a dollar a pound at your store, so it’s still an incredible value. And the good news – if you have a larger turkey, you have more leftovers. And who doesn’t love leftovers the next day?”