Turkey still a good deal in bad economy

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November 24, 2009

By Karen Middleton The News Courier Tue Nov 24, 2009, 08:06 PM CST

It might be a leaner Thanksgiving table this year as high unemployment continues.

But local meat department managers say turkey prices and sales, for the most part, remain steady from previous years.

Prices range from 69 cents a pound for store brands to 99 cents for premium brands.

However, Tim Balcom of Piggly Wiggly says sales have “dropped off a little.”

“We have ordered as much turkey this year,” said Balcom. “They’re still selling, but not like last year.”

But Balcom says ham sales remain brisk.

“We’re selling a lot of ham, especially the honey ham and brown sugar cured hams,” he said. “They’re selling real good.”

Balcom says the store doesn’t sell a lot of duck.

“We’ve even got a goose here,” he said. “We get in about two of those a year. But they’re expensive, about $5 a pound.”

Donnie Wood, meat department manager at Hometown Grocery, reports “brisk” turkey sales and says he sees no decrease from previous years.

“We’re also selling frozen hens, but we’re out of duck until Wednesday,” said Wood.

James Mason, assistant meat department manager of Publix, said he sees no drop off in turkey sales. Also, Publix has turducken — a chicken inside a duck inside a turkey.

“Turducken costs $75.95 each, but they’re all seasoned and stuffed and ready to cook Cajun style,” said Mason. “But they take about 10 hours to cook.”

Mason said he has sold three ducks, minus the chicken stuffing and the turkey overcoat.

See more about turducken on today’s News Courier Editorial Page.

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