Inflation, supply chain costs among reasons for price increases for Thanksgiving turkeys

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Some supermarkets have upped the cost of annual Thanksgiving dinner dishes.

The American Farm Bureau’s informal Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey reported a nationwide average of $64.05 for a meal for 10 people. That’s up 20% from last year.

“We have ample supplies of turkey in the United States, and in fact, Missouri's the sixth-largest turkey-producing state. The issue is inflation and its impact throughout the supply chain,” Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins said.

Hawkins added next to inflation, labor, packaging and fuel costs are all higher. 

“Every member or part of the supply chain has experienced increased costs as a result of inflation that is felt throughout the U.S. economy,” he said. “So beginning at the farm gate when our turkey growers are raising those birds, feed costs are higher.”

Hawkins added next to inflation, labor costs, packaging costs and fuel costs are all higher. 

When comparing prices from this year and last year’s weekly ads, turkey costs about a dollar more per pound in supermarketsin Columbia. Schnucks charged $1.49 per pound last year, but upped their prices to $2.49 per pound this year. Hy-Vee charged $1.99 per pound advertise the product at $2.29 this year.

Locally, not all supermarkets raised their prices though. 

Gerbes charged $1.89 per pound last year with a shopper’s card, and that price remains the same this year.

Additionally, different markets have different suppliers, so prices can’t be generalized for all grocery stores.

“So during this holiday season, I encourage families to make sure, pay attention, to your retailers,” Hawkins said. “When retailers are putting items on sale, take advantage of those sales and stock up… but just know that we as farmers and ranchers are working hard and continue to work hard to make sure that you have an abundant choice when you go to the grocery store.”