Despite rise in demand, fewer turkeys to roast this yr

The traditional turkey roast continues to be popular item on the city’s Christmas menu.

The traditional turkey roast continues to be popular item on the city’s Christmas menu.

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Shops at Crawford Market that sell bird were packed with people on Saturday. “I sold 12 turkeys within a single day,” said Mukhtar Yasin, owner of a poultry shop at Crawford market.

Despite the rise in demand, the low turkey supplies from farms near the city have impacted sales, he added.

“The supply of the turkey from farms has drastically reduced this year,” added Yasin. “We had asked a shop-keeper to keep two birds for us a week in advance. But I could get only one,” complained Lestre Fiallo, who works at an off-shore oil rig.

The shortfall has also led to a spike in prices. At Rs2,500 for a pair, the bird isn’t within everyone’s reach forcing some people to settle for alternates like chicken, duck and beef.

Vendors added that though the younger generation has limited interest in tradition, turkey sales continue to witness a steady increase every year. Tousif khan, owner of Fin O Feather at Crawford Market puts the growth to about five to 10%.