According to research by retail tracking platform Assosia, the cost of a traditional Christmas dinner this year is around £32.35, which is an increase of 4.3% compared to last year’s £31. However, consumers who opt for luxury options such as premium potatoes and fresh stuffing balls instead of cheaper alternatives will see a greater increase, with the total cost rising to around £41.76, up by 3.5% from last year. This data suggests that cheaper products have seen a larger increase, affecting budget-conscious shoppers more significantly.
The research found that the price of a supermarket frozen turkey has only risen by a negligible 1.2% from last year, following a 20% rise in prices in 2021 due to an avian flu outbreak. Higher-end vegetables such as potatoes, stuffing mix, and Brussels sprouts have actually decreased in price, while carrots have seen the biggest rise in price at 27%, with iced mince pies also seeing prices rise by 25%.
While the ONS food inflation rate stands at 10.1% in the year to October 2023, BBC News’ supermarket comparison found Aldi to be the cheapest for a basic list of Christmas essentials at around £26.31, while Morrisons was the most expensive at £35.66. By planning ahead and creating a budget, consumers can save on festive food and drink by buying in bigger pack sizes, looking out for planned offers and yellow sticker items, and using their freezer.
According to Stuart Bebbington, the owner of SJ Bebbington butcher in Chester, there is no shortage of turkeys this year, and prices have remained the same as last year, which is reassuring for many consumers. Similarly, independent grocer Leann Shaw at Hoole Food Market suggests that price fluctuations of vegetables are largely caused by weather challenges, and that price surges for carrots are likely due to retail pricing instead of the amount paid to farmers by supermarkets. Regardless of price changes, consumers continue to indulge in Christmas treats such as mince pies, though some bakeries have put prices up due to the cost of ingredients
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