Published: Nov. 23, 2016
Survey: The price of Thanksgiving is down
Average dinner cost lowest since 2010
ndettmann@conleynet.com 262-306-5043
A new survey demonstrates Wisconsin consumers can spend less than $50
for a party of 10 this Thanksgiving — the lowest price since 2010.
Nationally, the cost is down 24 cents, the first decrease since 2009.
“The survey’s total price of $47.91, when divided by 10, shows
preparing a nutritious, home-cooked Thanksgiving meal costs less than $5
per person,” said Amy Eckelberg, Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s spokesperson,
in a news release. “This year’s survey came in $2.17 lower than last
year’s price of $50.08.”
The grocery list includes a 16-pound turkey ($21.92), 1-gallon whole
white milk ($3.18), a half-pint of cream ($1.75), 12 rolls ($1.96),
relish tray for 1 pound carrots/celery ($0.69), 12 ounces fresh
cranberries ($2.37), 30 ounces pumpkin pie mix ($3.20), two pie shells
($2.40), 14 ounces cube stuffing ($2.89), 3 pounds sweet potatoes
($3.30), 1 pound green peas ($1.44) and miscellaneous ingredients
($2.81).
Jeff Klotz, co-owner of Klotz’s Piggly Wiggly in West Bend, says feeding a party of 10 for less than $50 is possible.
“You’re talking about a
turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes, rolls, everything you
would buy for Thanksgiving, everything is on sale,” Klotz said.
“Everything you need for a pretty good dinner, even the dessert. ...
It’s a possibility.”
The state data was collected by members of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau.
They collected 12 Thanksgiving food items in 25 communities in October
and November.
Nationally, 148 volunteer shoppers checked prices at grocery stores in 40 states.
Grocers often offer their best deals for the holidays, such as
Thanksgiving and Christmas — holidays often associated with large
gatherings and plenty of food.
“There’s no doubt holidays are a big time of year for us,” said
Emilie Williamson, senior manager of brand development and consumer
engagement for Roundy’s, which owns Pick n’ Save. “Our hope is to provide for all families.”
Grocers work that into their discount offerings.
“We are doing our best to make Thanksgiving affordable,” Williamson added.
As far as revenue, grocers don’t see Thanksgiving and Christmas the
same way retailers such as Kohl’s or Best Buy see Black Friday sales.
While some of the best deals of the season for grocers are at this
time of the year. However, Klotz said sales at his Piggly Wiggly store
are consistent. But he acknowledges Thanksgiving is one holiday where
sales will spike.
“We definitely take some notes,” Klotz said. “Experience in the business helps, trying to think ahead.
“These are some of the biggest ads of the year. You got to be geared up for the holidays.”
Nationally, the cost is also less
than $50 — $49.87, which is a decrease from 2015 ($50.11). Last year was
the first time the national cost eclipsed $50 in the 31-year history of
the survey.
So why the difference between Wisconsin’s prices to the national prices?
“From the turkey to potatoes, cranberries and milk, Wisconsin farmers
are proud to produce much of the food served at a traditional
Thanksgiving celebration,” Eckelberg said. “Our diverse agricultural
economy provides a variety of local, fresh and affordable food;
something to be thankful for this holiday.”
Prices are decreasing across the U.S.
Arkansas’ farm bureau reported the cost for a party of 10 on Thanksgiving could cost $44.84 — its lowest point since 2013.
In Indiana, its farm bureau reported a significant drop in cost from $50.33 to $46.81 — its lowest point since 2010.
Another factor potentially linked to lower prices was turkey
production in the U.S. was up 8 percent from 2015, rebounding from the
avian influenza crisis that occurred throughout the Midwest.
Klotz has been in the grocery business for more than 40 years. In the last few years, he’s noticed an interesting trend.
“We’ve seen actually a little bit more buying beef, prime rib,” Klotz
said. “Years ago, all you would see is turkey. Things have changed a
little bit. People are buying steaks, prime rib and tenderloin. They’re
expanding the horizon a little bit.”
That trend surprised him.
“They usually hold that stuff until Christmas,” Klotz said. “Prime rib is our biggest seller for Christmas.
“There’s a lot different diets out there now, too. People are looking
for different things. We’re trying to watch what people are looking
for.”
Other trends
include canned yams’ decrease in popularity and and Stove Top Stuffing’s
increase — it has “gone wild the last couple of years,” Klotz said.
“All retailers look forward to the holidays,” Klotz added. “Good sales are there to be had.”
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