Sales of whole turkeys are on the rise, according to a major Essex producer.

Paul Kelly, managing director of Danbury-based Kelly Turkeys, said the increase was reversing a trend towards crowns over recent years.

“What I am particularly loving to see is that crown sales are reducing this year and whole birds are on the increase,” he said.

“This is a trend that makes so much sense for the consumer in terms of value for money - and for us in terms of the extra butchery work needed in producing crowns.

“Our sales are very strong with web sales up 10% and farm gate sales up 8%. The turkeys have all grown very big this year with all small 4 and 5 kg turkeys in great demand. I guess a mild, dry autumn and good quality wheat are the reasons why.”

so far, Christmas turkey production among UK companies seemed to be going smoothly, with the last birds being processed last weekend, he said.