It may not be Christmas yet, but preparations are already underway for one of the busiest times of the year.

Supermarkets are starting to reveal launch dates for their Christmas dishes and the wait is high this year, but it’s not just because of the excitement over the holiday season.

Food shortages have hit the shelves of several stores across the UK following structural changes in the labor market and a shortage of truck drivers.

This means that supermarkets aren’t getting as many shipments as they used to be, so when they sell a particular product, it now takes longer for them to fill that void on the shelves.

Milk, meat and now even gasoline are scarce, but will it all affect Christmas?

A number of food industry organizations seem to think so, as they have warned against panic buying this Christmas unless the government takes action to address these labor shortages.

Some farmers are even warning of a shortage of Christmas turkeys, as visa changes to allow overseas labor recruitment have come too late, according to the BBC.

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But is it too late?

We have the big supermarket giants in the UK for their advice on the issues and to know exactly when you can get that Christmas turkey.

M&S Food

Marks and Spencer’s line of fresh turkeys will be available in stores from December 18, including the Free Range Pembrokeshire Bronze Collection Whole Turkey, Oakham Stuffed Turkey Crown and the new Perfect Turkey Joint Collection.

Customers can now pre-order Christmas turkeys for collection on their website here.

If you want to buy a turkey now, you as M&S can have a wide range of frozen turkey crowns and joints available in stores – from 2 to 4 servings up to 8-10.

Asked about possible shortages for Christmas, a spokesperson for M&S said: “We are working closely with our M&S Select farms to carefully manage our supply of turkeys so that our customers can be guaranteed high quality turkeys and M&S value you can trust.

“M&S has close and long-standing partnerships with our M&S Select farms and while there are some well-publicized challenges, we currently remain confident that we will have a full supply of turkeys this Christmas. “

Morrisons

Morrisons sells turkey products year round, including turkey breast steaks, easy-to-carve roast turkey, and mini turkey fillets.

They said they would reveal the Christmas ordering times for their fresh turkeys very soon.

A range of festive dishes, gifts, snacks and cheese platters can be purchased at the Morrisons Christmas Shop here.

If you want to book a delivery slot for Christmas, Morrisons has said to do so by December 19 – more on that. here.

Waitrose

Waitrose said their fresh turkeys are available online for customers to browse now, ready to order next month (and like every year, these orders can be picked up in the days leading up to Christmas).

Order your turkey here.

Waitrose also offers a number of other turkey products year round, including ground turkey and turkey breast steaks, as well as frozen whole turkeys starting in late fall.

Asked about possible customer concerns about the turkey and food shortages, Waitrose said:

“We have worked closely with our suppliers to make sure we have everything we need to make sure our customers have a brilliant Christmas.”

Aldi

Aldi is keeping a low profile on its Christmas eating plans, but details are expected to be revealed soon.

You can keep up to date with their Christmas page here for the latest updates.

Details on Christmas turkeys will also be updated here.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s is starting to stock its shelves with festive produce and has announced it will be getting fresh turkeys in store on Sunday, December 19, 2021.

You can pre-order your Christmas turkey online now here – orders must be placed before December 16.

Previously, when asked about concerns over food shortages, Sainsbury’s said they were working to replenish stocks as quickly as possible to ensure customers can get what they need.

Asda

Asda has yet to respond to inquiries about ordering turkeys for Christmas, but when they do, they’ll keep you posted here.

They currently have a Christmas page configured here which will be updated as soon as the supermarket unveils its plans.

Tesco

Tesco say that customers can celebrate with them a season of special moments with their loved ones.

Currently, the supermarket has fillers, snacks, drinks, treats, boxes and jars, tarts and other sweet treats available for purchase for Christmas.

Like Asda however, Tesco is keeping a low profile on the arrival of Christmas turkeys in stores. We will keep you updated with the latest information as soon as we hear from the supermarket.

See their fresh turkey broth here.

Iceland

Iceland commented on the current food shortages.

Talk to WalesOnlineRichard Walker, general manager of the Deeside-based frozen food chain, said: “It’s not about whether Christmas is going to be okay anymore.

“It’s more about spinning the wheels and the lights so we can actually get to Christmas.”

He said meat products, refrigerated baked goods, salads and soft drinks were all affected by the UK gas shortage.

However, Iceland has updated its website for Christmas.