90% of Christmas turkeys will be British this festive season
25,000 tonnes of British Brussels sprouts bought last year –
equivalent to 2,000 double decker buses
Environment Secretary invites people to raise a glass to UK
farmers and food producers this Christmas
As the UK stocks up on groceries ahead of Christmas Day, Farming
Secretary has paid tribute to the
British farmers, food producers and retailers supplying our
favourite festive fare.
From Scottish salmon and Norfolk turkeys to Yorkshire sprouts and
the Kent apples which fill our mince pies – the best of British
produce is the trademark of a traditional Christmas
dinner.
According to the British Poultry Council, UK households will tuck
into a staggering 8-9 million turkeys this Christmas – 90% of
which are British.
Data from Kantar shows that two thirds of the cheese and
vegetables bought in the run up to Christmas last year were
British. Brussels sprouts remain a favourite accompaniment, with
over 25,000 tonnes of British sprouts bought last year – over a
third of which were in the festive season – alongside 3,500
tonnes of cranberry sauce, almost half of which was enjoyed at
Christmas.
Meanwhile, UK consumers spent £45 million on nearly 19 million
Christmas puddings and £132 million on 98 million packs of mince
pies last year.
Farming Secretary said:
“Our farmers and food producers work hard all year round to keep
the nation fed – but especially in the run up to Christmas to
meet the demand for their top-quality, high-welfare, seasonal
produce.
“Gathering friends and family round the table to share great food
is one of the best things about Christmas, but it’s so important
to remember where it all comes from.
“This year, I invite
everyone to raise a glass to the dedicated farmers and food
producers who fill our plates at Christmas.”
Jim Bligh, Director of Corporate Affairs and Packaging,
The Food and Drink Federation said:
“Food and Drink manufacturers are working hard during the festive
period and play a crucial role in producing and supplying food
and drink so that households can enjoy their Christmas meals with
friends and family.
“The Food and Drink industry has many unsung heroes that will be
helping to provide the much-loved food we eat at Christmas time,
and I wish them all a very Happy Christmas.”
