Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted it’s “not the job of government to come in and fix every problem” when quizzed about supply chain problems.
Customers are now taking matters into their own hands by stocking up on anything with a long shelf life.
Staff from Aldi told consumer journalist Harry Wallop at a Christmas showcase that they are selling 1,500 frozen turkey crowns a day and pudding sales are up 45pc on last year.
The store also revealed that 250,000 Chocolate Orange bombes have been ordered from its supplier in anticipation that the dessert is likely to be its biggest hit this Christmas.
Marks and Spencer said sales of their frozen Christmas food have rocketed by 500pc in total on last year as families stockpile, with more than 25,000 turkeys sold by the start of October and sales of their party food growing by 40pc per week.
Iceland revealed turkey sales up by 409pc compared to this time last year.
Desperate to ensure Christmas is normal this year after the chaos of Covid-19 last year, single mother Pat Smith (26), from Grantham, has splurged £2,000 on food already.
She cleared shelves at six supermarkets, grabbing 24 multipacks of crisps to her trolley already laden with chocolates, alcohol and meat.
She told The Sun: “I don’t want to miss out. I’ve planned and I’m ready.
“I am buying what I need for the next four months including Christmas Day. Last year’s lockdown hit me hard. I ran short of items and couldn’t get to the shops regularly.
“When I did, the shelves were empty.
“As Christmas approached, I was devastated my family wouldn’t have everything they needed.
“I couldn’t get a turkey or the special ingredients I use to make the stuffing.
“My family’s favourite drinks were either too expensive due to price hikes or not available.
“I ended up serving cold chicken and ham with salad.”
