Summary (tl;dr)

The keyword "turkey" is trending due to the impending Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, with a focus on fluctuating retail prices for the festive bird amidst a backdrop of rising wholesale costs and decreased production.

Essential Background

Thanksgiving, a federal holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November, traditionally features a large meal where turkey is the centerpiece. Annually, consumers anticipate and prepare for this feast, making turkey a highly sought-after commodity in the weeks leading up to the holiday.

The Full Story

As Thanksgiving Day approaches on November 27, 2025, "turkey" is trending as shoppers prepare for their holiday meals. While wholesale turkey prices have seen significant increases, in some cases up to 40% from 2024, largely due to disease outbreaks like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) affecting turkey flocks and reducing overall production, retail prices for whole frozen turkeys are projected to be lower than last year. This disparity is attributed to major retailers strategically pricing turkeys as "loss leaders" to attract customers into their stores for the holiday shopping season. Despite the potential savings on the turkey itself, the overall cost of Thanksgiving dinner is predicted to see mixed trends, with some popular side dishes experiencing price hikes.

Why It Matters

The trend in "turkey" searches reflects widespread consumer concern and interest in holiday meal planning and budgeting. With food inflation remaining a factor, families are keenly looking for value, and the pricing strategies for turkeys directly impact their ability to afford the traditional feast. The situation also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the agricultural sector, particularly turkey farmers, in managing disease outbreaks and production levels which ultimately influence supply and wholesale costs.

Geographic Location

• United States (Thanksgiving holiday celebration and turkey market dynamics)
• Minnesota, United States (Significant turkey-producing state affected by avian influenza outbreaks impacting supply)