Turkey and sprouts drive down cost of Christmas dinner

This Christmas, families in the UK can expect to pay a little less for their holiday dinner thanks to falling prices for turkeys and Brussels sprouts. Research conducted for the BBC indicates that the price of a 10-pound frozen turkey has decreased by £1. 21 compared to last year, and Brussels sprouts are now 12% cheaper. As a result, the average cost of a Christmas dinner for a family is projected to be £31. 66 in 2024, down from £32. 18 in 2023. This decline in prices reflects a slower rate of food price inflation in the UK, which has been a relief for many shoppers. Tom Copas, a turkey farmer from Cookham, Berkshire, has observed a shift in consumer behavior this holiday season. He noted that there is a growing demand for smaller turkeys, which may suggest that families are being more cautious with their spending. 'It seems that people are trying to keep their overall basket spend down,' he explained. According to the data, the price of turkeys has dropped by 6% this year, which is a welcome change after a few years of rising costs. However, not all food items have seen a decrease in price. Root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, have experienced significant price increases. For instance, the cost of Maris Piper potatoes has surged by 26%, with a typical 2-kilogram bag now priced at £1. 99. Tracy Bush, co-director of Provenance Potatoes, attributed this rise to challenging weather conditions that affected planting and harvesting. Similarly, carrots have gone up by 13. 4% to 69p per kilogram, largely due to delays caused by wet weather. On the other hand, Brussels sprouts have become more affordable this year. John Inglis, a senior commercial manager at ESG Drysdale, one of the UK's largest sprout producers, stated that after facing difficulties in previous seasons, the sprouts are thriving again. However, it is worth noting that Brussels sprouts can be a polarizing vegetable, with a YouGov poll revealing that about 25% of Britons dislike them. The cost of Christmas desserts has also risen, with Christmas pudding now 11% more expensive than last year and mince pies up by 5%. Jessica White, the owner of Meg Rivers artisan bakery, mentioned that while her costs have increased, she has chosen not to raise prices this year. She reported that they have sold out of Christmas puddings and are working to fulfill a waiting list. When it comes to shopping for Christmas dinner, prices can vary significantly depending on the supermarket. A comparison of the UK's top five supermarkets—Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Aldi—revealed that Aldi offers the lowest prices for a basic list of Christmas essentials, costing around £24. 30. Asda follows closely at £28. 22, while Tesco is the most expensive at £36. 51. To save money on Christmas food, it is advisable to plan ahead. Start by setting a budget and making a list of necessary items. Keep an eye out for online deals and consider purchasing in bulk with friends or family to take advantage of better value. Additionally, using your freezer can help preserve many Christmas foods, allowing you to buy in advance. In summary, while some food prices have increased, there are still opportunities for families to enjoy a festive meal without overspending. By being mindful of their shopping choices and planning ahead, families can make the most of their Christmas celebrations.