The price of the average Christmas turkey has soared by around 10% this festive season, as a rise in wholesale feed prices hit poultry farmers and consumers – but this offered a smart return for those who had hedged against a rise in costs using futures contracts.

According to an analysis by Thisismoney.co.uk published at the end of November, continental supermarket chain Aldi had the cheapest frozen turkeys in the UK as measured by £ per kilo. Its Oakhurst Whole British Turkey came in at £2.37 per kilo - representing a 42% rise over the five years since the survey was first compiled.