UK supermarkets turn to European turkeys as avian flu hits supply

Non-British birds are likely to account for less than 10% of those sold in UK supermarkets over the festive period. Photograph: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

Several of the UK’s big supermarkets have been forced to source turkeys from elsewhere in Europe to keep shelves stocked this Christmas, after avian flu curtailed UK production.

Asda, Lidl and Morrisons are understood to be stocking branded turkey imported from mainland Europe – a move industry sources described as “unprecedented” – to “protect availability” and ensure sufficient supply for festive meals.