Turkey Trends

• U.S. turkey consumption has increased nearly 220 percent since 1970 (National Turkey Federation NTF).
• In 2003, Turkey was the #4 protein choice for American consumers, who consumed nearly 18 pounds per person on average (NTF).
• The average family has eaten turkey almost 5 times in the last 12 months (Markitecture, NTF Communications Concept Test, 2003).
• The top 3 reasons for preparing turkey at home are taste (69 percent), nutrition (52 percent) and value (44 percent) (NTF Online Consumer Survey, September 2003).
• Nearly a third (32%) of grocery bills are spent on meat/poultry/fish (Markitecture, NTF Communications Concept Test, 2003).
• In 2003, U.S. growers raised about 270 million turkeys at an average weight of nearly 26 pounds (NTF).
• Although 50 percent of all turkey consumed in 1970 was during the holidays, today that number is only 30 percent as more people enjoy delicious turkey year-round.
• Turkey production in the United States has more than tripled since 1970, meeting consumers' demand as more people choose turkey. With the value added to turkey through processing into a wide variety of cuts, parts and further processed products, the total value of turkey processors' production in 1999 was more than $7.8 billion.

Turkey Tastes

• The most popular ways to enjoy turkey, according to an online consumer survey at www.eatturkey.com, are in a sandwich (90 %), as an entree (86%) in a soup, stews or, chili (52%) casseroles or skillet meal (52%) and as a burger (46%) (NTF Online Survey, September 2003).
• Italian, Southern and Southwestern lead preferences in flavor profiles for turkey recipes on www.eatturkey.com (NTF Online Survey, September 2003).
• Since a 3-ounce serving of turkey contains 26 grams of protein, 8 percent more than chicken and beef and 0 grams of saturated fat, it is the perfect source of protein for the low-carbohydrate lifestyle (Nutri-facts Update. A 3-ounce skinless chicken breast or a 3-ounce top loin steak, trimmed of visible fat, versus a 3-ounce skinless turkey breast).

Turkey Tidbits

• Only tom turkeys gobble. Hen turkeys make a clicking noise (NTF).
• Domesticated turkeys cannot fly (NTF).
• It's estimated that turkeys have 3,500 feathers at maturity (NTF).
• June is National Turkey Lovers' Month! (NTF).

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