The Turkey Supply Chain

The Thanksgiving Turkey Supply Chain – 2024 edition 

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving season, we want to recognize the incredible efforts of turkey producers, processors, and logistics professionals who make sure the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast is available at your local grocer.

The United States is the world’s largest producer, exporter, and consumer of whole turkeys, with approximately 218 million birds produced in 2023. While the turkey industry has seen a slight annual decline in sales (around 6%), a remarkable 88% of Americans still enjoy turkey each Thanksgiving. That’s about 46 million turkeys consumed in November alone—a logistical marvel!¹   
 
Breaking Down the Turkey Supply Chain 
Each year, about 90% of all turkey sold each year are frozen and of the 10% sold as fresh turkey, 80% are sold within one single week in November. Let’s break down the supply chain of turkey production as a mathematical equation from egg to Thanksgiving Day table. 

Keeping it Fresh 
Fresh turkeys are defined by the USDA as birds that have never been stored below 26°F. These turkeys remain fresh for up to 21 days, leaving a narrow window for processing, distribution, and retail availability. Given that fresh turkeys must reach stores with 10-15 days left before their best-by date, grocers typically sell them within a week of Thanksgiving. Experts recommend cooking fresh turkeys within 1-2 days of purchase for optimal quality.²  

Planning for the Next Thanksgiving 
While you are shopping for the perfect turkey to roast, smoke, or deep fry, turkey producers are already planning for next year’s holiday season. The process requires a planning horizon of 12-14 months to meet seasonal demand. Here is the lifecycle of a turkey: 

• Each hen lays 80-100 eggs over a 25-week laying cycle. 

• Each egg incubates for about 4 weeks before hatching as a poult. 

• Each poult requires 14-18 weeks to grow into a hen or tom. 

From there, turkeys are sent for processing, and logistics takes center stage. It is estimated that 28,750 full truckloads, each carrying twenty pallets of turkeys, are delivered to grocers in time for the Thanksgiving rush.³ 

Timing the Supply Chain 
The timeline for fresh turkeys is especially tight. A fresh turkey sold the week of Thanksgiving originated from an egg laid in late May or early June. With approximately 22 weeks needed for hatching and maturation, followed by 2 weeks for slaughter, processing, and transportation, the fresh turkey supply chain operates with precision. Producers must carefully manage demand planning to avoid excess production of a perishable product with such a short shelf life. 

Frozen turkeys provide some flexibility. They can remain frozen for up to two years (depending on the producer), allowing suppliers to pre-stock inventory and shift capacity between fresh and frozen as the holiday approaches. 
 
Conclusion: Gratitude for the Turkey Supply Chain 
The turkey supply chain is a testament to meticulous planning, coordination, and hard work. From farmers and processors to logistics professionals, it takes a dedicated team to ensure turkeys are available for our Thanksgiving celebrations. To everyone who makes this feat possible: THANK YOU for your commitment to the turkey supply chain and for bringing Thanksgiving traditions to life. 
 
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us! 

¹  National Turkey Federation, https://www.eatturkey.org/

^{2, 3}  First Call Logistics, “When Turkeys Fly – The Thanksgiving Supply Chain Rush” https://www.gofclogistics.com/when-turkeys-fly-the-thanksgiving-supply-chain-rush/