Title: Eggs in Short Supply Across the United States
Avian influenza has brought chaos to the egg market, causing widespread devastation. In the chilly months of November and December, a staggering 17.2 million egg-laying hens succumbed to the virus, as reported by the USDA. This massive loss equates to almost half of the bird deaths attributed to the virus in 2024. Replacing these flocks will take an extensive six to nine months, causing a ripple effect of egg shortages.
As the number of egg-laying hens dwindles, so does the availability of eggs on store shelves. This shortage has led to a hike in prices, forcing consumers to pay an average of $4.33 for a dozen eggs of any type by the tail end of December — a 25% surge from early November, figures revealed by Neilsen IQ data. To add insult to injury, egg prices had already soared 37.5% year-over-year in November, according to the Consumer Price Index.
Egg aisles in supermarkets like King Cullen in Island Park, New York, now bear empty egg shelves, with a sign reading, "As a part of Avian Influenza, select egg varieties may be temporarily out of stock." Publix, which boasts nearly 1,500 grocery outlets, primarily in the south, also confirms it's experiencing egg shortages. The company acknowledges, "Items in this section have limited availability. We are working to bring these products back as soon as possible."
While egg prices typically increase during the holiday season due to increased demand and a difficult year for avian flu, the situation has taken a turn for the worse. Supply has plummeted instead, leaving shelves barren and prices skyrocketing.
Avian flu has infiltrated dairy farms, infecting egg farms nearby. Unusual weather conditions, such as hurricanes repositioning wild bird populations, have also further propelled the virus's spread.
Steve Schwartz, director of sales and marketing for Morton Williams, a grocery chain in the New York City area, reports a steep rise in egg prices across all categories since December. "Our cost just skyrocketed. It was crazy," he says. Despite having access to six egg distributors, prices have remained alarmingly high. In mid-October, a dozen conventional eggs cost Morton Williams $2.38. By this week, they paid distributors $5.48, even after securing a 70-cent discount. "We're going to struggle through this for a while because when I spoke to the farm a week ago, I asked the question: ‘When do you expect to see relief?’" was their bleak response.
unctuous Strain of bird flu, leading to significant impacts on egg production. This dilemma has resulted in the culling of various bird species, disrupting supply chains along the way and creating shortages and increased prices[2][3][4].
- Supply Chain Issues:
- Challenges in transportation and logistics due to unresolved labor shortages and escalating building costs have made getting eggs from farms to refrigerators more expensive since the COVID-19 pandemic[1].
- Food Recalls:
- Recent contaminations have necessitated a series of egg recalls, further reducing the available supply and contributing to price increases. For example, recalls of organic eggs sold at Costco and other brands have happened recently due to possible salmonella contamination[1].
- Inflation:
- Inflation has also been a factor in the surge in egg prices. Wholesale prices for large eggs have risen significantly, noting a 150% increase in the Midwest and a 38% nationwide upsurge over the past year[1].
- Increased Demand:
- During holidays like Christmas, there is an elevated demand for eggs, which exacerbates shortages and drives up prices[4].
- Feed and Fuel Costs:
- The increase in feeding and fuel costs has added to the overall increased expense of producing eggs, further fueling the upward trend in prices[4].
The increased egg prices have led many businesses to adjust their menus, substituting expensive eggs with other ingredients in dishes where possible. The high cost of eggs is also impacting the affordability of breakfast items, making them less accessible for some consumers.
The avian influenza outbreak has resulted in a significant shortage of eggs, causing major disruptions for businesses that rely heavily on them, such as bakeries and restaurants.
