PUBS have warned that turkey could be off the menu this Christmas.
A combination of bird flu and unseasonal weather could mean pubs may struggle to get their hands on the cooked bird.
Lynx Purchasing, which handles purchasing for hospitality groups across the UK, said the turkey market would be “challenging” in terms of price and availability.
Managing director Rachel Dobson said the deadly flu, along with a strong summer heatwave has pushed up the cost of animal feed.
The cost of the feed is one of the biggest factors in determining the price of a Christmas turkey.
There are currently no major outbreaks of the virus on farms, but last year an outbreak led to thousands of the birds being culled.
She said: “With fewer turkeys available, and producers asking a premium price for those they do have to sell, catering suppliers are currently reluctant to set a firm price for Christmas orders.
“The best advice to pub operators is to speak to suppliers and place orders if possible.”
“Those who get their orders in early will be at the front of the queue when it comes to supply, although prices quoted are likely to be for guidance only at this stage.
She added: “Pubs should factor in the likelihood of higher prices when they set the price of their festive menus.”
“For anyone thinking about a Christmas meal at the pub with family, friends or workmates, it’s worth booking now and agreeing the cost, because pubs are very likely to have to increase their menu prices closer to December.”
“That’s more important than ever this year, with operators facing increased costs and lower consumer confidence.”
Shortages around the golden Christmas period are not unheard of.
Last year, Guinness maker Diageo had to ration the beloved Irish stout to boozers after demand for the drink led to a shortage.
Talk of strain on the supply chain will place extra strain on publicans over the vital Christmas trading period.
Trouble for the UK pub sector
Government figures, published in August, show 209 pubs were shut in the first half of the year.
That brings the total number of pubs calling a permanent last orders in the past five years to 2,283.
Industry chiefs said the employer National Insurance rise and increasing staff costs were responsible.
This, coupled with skint youngsters no longer being able to afford a night out, has proved challenging for the sector.
Over the summer, Oakman Inns & Restaurants entered into administration, putting 19 sites at risk of closing for good.
The group has blamed the hangover from the pandemic and elevated interest rates and costs for its troubles.
The posh chain was first founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Peter Borg-Neal.
It mainly operated across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Midlands.
Brewdog also closed 10 pubs this summer, including its flagship site in Aberdeen.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
FIVE years on from the pandemic and UK hospitality groups are still picking up the pieces.
While restrictions and social distancing are well in the past, businesses are now dealing with a plethora of other issues such as hikes to National Insurance and customers having little money to part with at the till.
Brewdog will close 10 pubs this weekend, including its flagship site in Aberdeen and a branch.
Elsewhere, French-inspired brasserie Côte is being auctioned off by private equity firm Partners Group.
The company is working together with Interpath Advisory to seek out fresh investors for the embattled restaurant chain, Sky News first reported.
The chain has more than 70 sites across the UK, down from close to 100 shortly before it collapsed into insolvency five years ago.About 60 of its remaining sites are thought to be profitable – meaning there is a risk of more closures.
