Record 196.7 Million Consumers Shop Over Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend

A record 196.7 million Americans shopped in stores and online during the five-day holiday shopping period from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The total number of shoppers grew by nearly 17 million from 2021 and is the highest figure since NRF first started tracking this data in 2017. 

“The Thanksgiving holiday shopping weekend is a tradition treasured by many American families,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “As inflationary pressures persist..."

Kroger Shares Thanksgiving Trends Ahead of the Holiday

The Kroger Co., America's grocer, today announced trends heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, sharing that it will sell 55 million pounds of turkey, as 85 percent of surveyed customers celebrating say they will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal cooked at their home or in the homes of family and friends, according to 84.51º, Kroger's retail and data science, insights and media arm.*

"Thanks to our amazing team of associates, Kroger is prepared to help our shoppers make holiday memories this season with all of their favorite family recipes and Thanksgiving staples—including..."

Thanksgiving Turkeys Will Be More Expensive This Year

On november 21st President Joe Biden performed one of the more peculiar presidential duties. Upon his return from the COP27 climate summit in Egypt, Mr Biden pardoned the two Thanksgiving turkeys in an annual ceremony that has been a tradition since Ronald Reagan’s days in office. The spared specimens are sent to farms or universities, where they are left in peace for the rest of their natural lives.

Such clemency looks generous in a time of sky-high inflation. Food prices have risen sharply...

Most Thanksgiving Day Meals Are in a Home: Groceries and Foodservice Help Make the Meals Happen

Restaurants may not play the most significant role on Thanksgiving Day, but do the Wednesday before 

A Thanksgiving Day host’s dream is to have a perfectly prepared feast on a beautifully decorated table surrounded by happy family and friends. However, it takes a lot of planning and preparation to make the Thanksgiving Day dream come true, and grocers and foodservice operators help to make it happen. Most, 67%, of Thanksgiving meals occur at the eater’s home; the remaining meals happen at another house...

SuperMeat Reimagines Famous Moist Maker Sandwich with First Ever Cultivated Turkey

Just in time for Thanksgiving, the company known for its cultivated chicken unveils a turkey cold cut produced without harming a single turkey

SuperMeat, a foodtech company working to supply the world with high-quality cultivated meat, today announced that it has made the first ever cultivated turkey, introduced via the most famous Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich in the world, the Moist Maker. The sandwich consists of all the classic leftovers from the big meal, including stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy – paired with the first ever cultivated turkey...

This Week in Retail: Good Gravy… The 2022 Thanksgiving Rundown

The countdown to Thanksgiving is winding down and consumers are flocking to the supermarkets to secure last-minute needs for the big day.

While it’s hard to ignore the influx of headlines about the higher costs of this year’s feast, some major retailers are still featuring attractive deals on holiday staples despite supply constraints and macroeconomic headwinds. 

Gobble Gobble…

Not to beat a dead horse (or should we say turkey), let’s look another look at the traditional centerpiece. Retail buying opportunities for turkey this week are at 24.5%, up from 21.5% last week. The big bird has seemingly stolen the spotlight from chicken, which plummeted to 2.4% this week versus 12.5% a week ago...

Farm Bureau: Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Up 20%

Farm Bureau's 37th annual survey reveals the average cost of this year's classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 is $64.05, less than $6.50 per person. This is a $10.74 or 20% increase from last year's average of $53.31.

The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – costs more than last year, at $28.96 for a 16-pound bird. That's $1.81 per pound, up 21% from last year, due to several factors beyond general inflation. Farm Bureau "volunteer shoppers" checked prices Oct. 18-31, before most grocery store chains... 

Southeastern Grocers to Distribute 7,000 Turkeys and Holiday Meal Essentials Ahead of Thanksgiving

Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, is giving back to its communities ahead of Thanksgiving to help neighbors in need enjoy the holiday with their loved ones. The grocer is partnering with Feeding America® network food banks and military organizations to provide thousands of people with traditional Thanksgiving dinner staples with the donation of more than 7,000 turkeys and meal essentials...

Kroger Promises a Thanksgiving Fresh for Everyone

The Kroger Co., America's grocer, today shared its efforts to cushion customers from the impacts of inflation as they prepare holiday meals, including a zero-compromise shopping guide with meal options that can feed 10 people for as little as $5 per person. The grocer, who estimates the cost of turkey has risen 20 cents per pound this year, will not shift the rising cost to customers.

"At Kroger, we are committed to making the holiday season memorable and accessible for everyone," said Stuart Aitken, Kroger Senior Vice President and Chief Merchant...

This Week in Retail: Busy Shoppers Seek Convenience; Inflation Eased in October

Busy shoppers are increasingly seeking convenience during the hectic holiday season. This typically increases sales at food service and boosts interest in the prepared and frozen sections at retail.  

The meat case is receiving lots of attention, too, as grocers heavily promote traditional holiday items including ham and turkey. 

The National Retail Federation expects overall holiday spending this year to perform well despite ongoing inflationary pain points. The NRF projects holiday retail sales during November and December to grow between 6% to 8% year-over-year. Last year's holiday sales hit a new high at $889.3 billion, lifted in part by pandemic spending.

This week in retail, pork features climbed to the number one spot in retail buying opportunities with 23.2%. Beef closely follows with about 22%. Turkey features have swelled to 19.1%, compared to just 6.4% the week prior. Chicken ads chime in at 13.7%, while egg features have seen a slight uptick to...

Southeastern Grocers Offers $30 Thanksgiving Feasts Ahead of Holiday

Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is celebrating Thanksgiving by making holiday meal planning easier and more affordable for its customers. The grocer is offering exceptional deals on Thanksgiving turkeys, hams and other holiday essentials ahead of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores closing Thanksgiving Day as a display of gratitude for their hardworking associates.

Dewayne Rabon, Chief Merchandising Officer for Southeastern Grocers, said, “We understand our customers are looking...

Meijer Ready for Thanksgiving with Bountiful Turkey Supply

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, Meijer is stocked and ready with traditional turkeys, as well as non-traditional entrees to appeal to everyone around the table.

The Midwest retailer wants its customers to know it has a wide selection of competitively priced turkeys but encourages them not to wait too long to make their purchase.

Customers can purchase Meijer brand frozen turkeys for 55 cents per pound through Nov. 26.

The retailer is offering a vast selection of fresh, frozen and organic birds to suit every household's preferences. Meijer brand fresh turkeys...

Thanksgiving Turkey is on the Menu

With Thanksgiving just three weeks away, today the National Turkey Federation (NTF) shared helpful tips for Americans shopping for a turkey and preparing the Thanksgiving meal. NTF highlighted the robust availability of turkey products featured at retailers nationwide as well as its updated Thanksgiving 101, a comprehensive guide to preparing the holiday turkey.

“If you’re looking for a turkey product this Thanksgiving, you’ll be able to find one,” said Joel Brandenberger, NTF president. “There has been a lot of discussion about whether avian influenza or the general economy is going to affect this holiday...

Get Ready to Pay More for This Year’s Thanksgiving Turkey

The Ekonk Turkey Hill Farm grows about 4,000 pasture-raised turkeys but the co-owner and founder Rick Hermanot says the farm has been squeezed by soaring prices for baby turkeys, feed and fertilizer, the latter essential to the organic approach to raising the birds. (Douglas Hook)

Carving into the most classic of all holiday main courses this year — the Thanksgiving turkey — will first mean shoppers digging a lot deeper into their wallets before they gather around the family dinner table.

And finding just the right size bird for the...

The Fresh Market Announces Thanksgiving Meal Deals and Solutions

The Fresh Market, Inc. is helping its guests create special memories over food this Thanksgiving with a variety of options. The specialty food retailer is a one-stop-shop for those looking to cook their holiday meal at home, with tried-and-true recipes that use all ingredients found in its stores. In addition, The Fresh Market also offers several fully prepared, heat-and-eat meals that are great options for those who want a gourmet feast for an incredible value, but don't want to spend a lot of time in...

This Week in Retail: Grocers Focus on Holiday Demand in November 

Store displays have been rapidly reconfigured from Halloween decor to Christmas trees and other quintessential holiday items. For retailers, November is one of the busiest months of the year.

Grocers are prepping for an uptick in foot traffic this month as households stock up for Thanksgiving—just three weeks away.

Big Bird’s The Word…

The wholesale turkey market has ascended to all-time highs this year due to supply constraints caused by the current outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Over 6 million commercial turkeys have been lost to the virus in 2022 so far.

Urner Barry’s whole, frozen young tom and hen turkeys are elevated in record-high territory across all regions. Since establishing this year's low of $1.39 per pound in January, 10 lbs hens have increased 33% to $1.85 per pound. This beats out the previous record set...

HelloFresh Launches The Pass Master

While 91% of Americans are looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones this year*, some look at the holiday as a time to stir up more than cranberry sauce at the dinner table. To help with the unavoidable political debate from your uncle or the not-so-discreet questions about marriage or children from your nana, HelloFresh, the world’s leading meal kit company, is launching a limited-edition product – The Pass Master by HelloFresh.

The Pass Master by HelloFresh

This one-of-a-kind centerpiece features a working conveyor belt and two “pass buttons”...

Stop & Shop to Donate 25,000 Thanksgiving Turkeys to Hunger Relief Organizations Across Northeast

Stop & Shop today announced the launch of its annual Turkey Express program, a month-long initiative dedicated to donating holiday meals to hunger relief organizations and families in need ahead of Thanksgiving. Stop & Shop has a longstanding history of giving back to the communities it serves with a focus on fighting hunger, an issue that continues to be prevalent amidst inflation and rising food costs. According to Feeding America®, in 2021 alone, 53 million people turned to food banks and community programs for help...

Boston Market Brings the Family Together with Holiday Meal Options

Iconic rotisserie kitchen brand Boston Market, better known this time of year as the "Holiday Expert," is offering a variety of Thanksgiving meal options from $11.99 per person, prices may vary by market, starting today at all restaurants nationwide. Whether dining in-restaurant or celebrating at home, Boston Market has offerings to fit every family this holiday season.

Guests will have a choice between the Hot & Ready-To-Serve meals, catering and a la carte offerings. The Hot & Ready-To-Serve meals include everything needed to serve between six... 

Plan a Good4u Thanksgiving with Natural Grocers®

The beginning of November often signals the unofficial start to the excitement and preparation for the holiday season. Natural Grocers®, the largest family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer in the U.S., has all the fixings needed for a delicious, price-conscious, good4uSM holiday feast. With turkey pre-orders, scrumptious holiday recipes and over $749 worth of potential savings through November 26th, customers are invited to knock out some of the planning and save on premium-quality products that are sure to wow every guest at the table...

The Honey Baked Ham Company® Launches New Loyalty Program Helping Shoppers Earn Rewards

To celebrate the holiday season, The Honey Baked Ham Company® is not only saving families time in the kitchen with tasty, easy-to-serve meals, but they're also helping them get more with myHoneyBaked Rewards, a new loyalty program that lets you earn more on all your purchases.

The new loyalty program offers rewards on purchases, special offers, brand news and more! And when customers sign up, $9 in HoneyBaked Cash will automatically be added into their account after their first purchase...

Jennie-O Turkey Store Thanksgiving 1-800-TURKEYS Hotline Opens Nov. 1

The makers of the JENNIE-O® turkey brand – the category leader of ground turkey products and a trusted brand for turkey products around the world – today announced the return of the JENNIE-O® 1-800-TURKEYS hotline on Nov. 1.

Back for the 15th consecutive year, the hotline offers consumers the chance to converse with the company's Minnesota-based consumer engagement team via phone, even during extended hours in the days leading up to and on the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition to the phone line, home...

Blast From the Past: ALDI Rewinds Pricing on Thanksgiving Favorites

ALDI is pleased to introduce the Thanksgiving Price Rewind offering affordable prices on holiday essentials. Starting November 2, holiday favorites ranging from appetizers, desserts, sides and beverages, will match 2019 prices for discounts of up to 30%.

Think favorites like brie cheese, prosciutto, cornbread stuffing, award-winning wines, mini quiches, fresh brown-and-serve rolls, macarons and apple pie, to name a few. Shoppers can look for the Thanksgiving Price Rewind icon in their local ad and throughout the store for extra savings.

ALDI has everything you need this Thanksgiving...

A Budget Friendly Thanksgiving

If the price tag for the holiday meal is on your mind, these tips for a budget friendly Thanksgiving will come in handy. No matter your budget, there are ways to put a delicious, memorable Thanksgiving meal – with turkey as the centerpiece – on the table!

Tips for a Budget Friendly Thanksgiving
Plan Ahead: This is our top tip! Planning ahead allows you to scope out holiday deals and special discounts at local grocery stores. Check out newspaper circulars or online coupons to know when to shop. Grocery stores often offer special discounts or deals featuring turkey...

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® Helps Take Care of Thanksgiving with Heat n' Serve Options

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® celebrates the return of the holiday season with homestyle classics, new and unexpected flavors and convenient options that allow families to spend more time together. Create new traditions at home with Cracker Barrel's fully prepared Thanksgiving Heat n' Serve Meals and Homestyle Holiday Pies available in a variety of flavors. Starting today, those looking to get in the holiday spirit earlier than Thanksgiving can try the new wine-based cocktail, Glitter Globe Spritzer, complemented by a returning favorite...

Strong Ham Prices Underpin Hog/Pork Prices in the Near Term

Slaughter is down almost 5% from 2019, exports to Mexico are record high, turkey prices are record high and cold storage inventory is down double digits. Expect ham prices to remain firm through the holidays this year.

Steiner and Company produces the Profit Maximizer report on behalf of National Pork Board based on information we believe is accurate and reliable. However neither NPB nor Steiner and Company warrants or guarantees the accuracy of or accepts any liability for the data, opinions or recommendations expressed.

Highlights
- Hog futures were sharply...

Butterball® Offers New Spin on Daily Support, Inspiration to Stressed Thanksgiving Hosts

America's most loved turkey brand announces return of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line™, extends 40+ years of Turkey Talk-Line expertise to limited-edition holiday calendars

Today, Butterball released the first-ever Butterball Turkey Talk-Line Comfort Calendar, a limited-edition calendar that provides Thanksgiving hosts 24 days of emotional support, practical tips and a whole lot of comfort. Limited quantities of the Comfort Calendars will be available Oct. 24-26 at ButterballComfortGiveaway.com. The daily tips and recommendations will also be available via Instagram beginning...

Holiday Plans: Desire for Food Gifting, Bigger Gatherings & Robust Food Spending Despite Inflation

New Results from Omaha Steaks' Annual Harris Poll of 2,000 Americans Reveals Insights on Holiday Attitudes and Behaviors

Americans are craving experiences and togetherness this holiday season, while also planning to spend more on holiday feasts and gather in larger groups than recent years. These are a few of the findings from the third annual Harris Poll, commissioned by Omaha Steaks gauging Americans on a wide variety of holiday-related food, entertaining and gifting plans. While 7 in 10 Americans (71%) are looking forward to time around...

Home Chef Makes the Holidays Easy with Minimal-Prep Menus Full of Festive Flavors

Home Chef, the leading meal solutions company with both a retail and online presence, is debuting a slew of holiday eats for home cooks looking to spend less time in the kitchen and more time making memories. From Thanksgiving through the year's end, Home Chef serves up seasonal dishes everyone will enjoy in both meal kit and heat-and-eat formats – proving holiday eating can be tasty and easy.

"The holidays are a time for celebration, but they can also be overwhelming when your calendar fills..."

Just Ahead of Thanksgiving, Record Turkey and Egg Prices Indicate Strain on Poultry Sector

The effects of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), inflation and more in turkey and other poultry markets

Fall has arrived and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. As many begin planning for the holiday meal, one of the questions being asked is, “Will there be enough turkeys to go around for Thanksgiving?” There are many factors fueling this question. High prices, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and inflation have garnered attention from consumers and media nationwide. This Market Intel will address the current issues influencing the turkey industry and what consumers can expect as we edge closer to Thanksgiving and beyond...

Blue Apron’s Annual Thanksgiving Menu is Back with More Options Than Ever Before

Blue Apron brings back its annual Thanksgiving menu with more options than ever before, available with or without a subscription. Designed to simplify holiday meal planning, customers can choose a classic turkey dinner as well as a vegetarian meal that comes with the option of adding a mustard glazed baked ham. In addition, holiday-inspired Add-ons will be available to mix-and-match so customers can build a feast tailored to varying party sizes.

“Our extensive Thanksgiving menu features easy-to-prepare recipes..."

Butterball Shares 2022 Thanksgiving Outlook Report As Hosts Prepare for Holiday Celebrations

With Thanksgiving less than three months away, Butterball shares what celebrators think about inflation, what they'll compromise to cut costs and what they won't

Butterball, which has offered support to home chefs through its Butterball Turkey Talk-Line™ for more than 40 years, today released data from its 2022 Thanksgiving Outlook Report. According to the findings, people are excited for Thanksgiving with nearly 90% of Americans planning to celebrate in 2022 as concerns around COVID-19 shrink. However, concerns around inflation – particularly at the grocery store...