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christmas

Turkey sales up despite bird flu fears

SEASONAL FARE: Turkeys at a farm in Essex

Sainsbury's reported a 25% rise in the number of fresh turkey sales between December 9 and 13 compared to the same time last year.

This is the fastest year on year rise the supermarket chain has seen in pre-Christmas poultry sales.

Simon Dutton, Sainsbury's turkey buyer, said: "Sales prove that consumer confidence is extremely strong and that people have defied news about bird flu."

Peter Bradnock, chief executive of the British Poultry Council, said reports about bird flu in October and November had prompted some customers to get their turkey orders in early.

"If anything people were concerned that if we got avian flu then there wouldn't be any turkey around," he said.

"The only difference this year is there's a heightened awareness that you have to get your order in."

Tesco said frozen turkey sales were as predicted this festive season.

A Morrisons spokeswoman said: "Indications are that Morrisons customers are looking forward to a traditional turkey Christmas dinner taking centre stage as normal this year."

Asda reported that chicken sales took a slight dip for around one month but recovered fairly quickly. Frozen turkey sales are as predicted, the store said.

Fresh whole turkeys are not yet on sale in any of the four supermarket chains. The Sainsbury's fresh turkey sales figures relate to turkey crowns.

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