Egg Prices Continue To Rise: Why Are They Expensive?

If you’re a breakfast enthusiast or simply a restaurant owner, you probably know that essential ingredients like eggs can sometimes make you dig deep into your pocket. There is no doubt that the cost of eggs keeps fluctuating, and once again, the prices are rising. This comes after a short period of relative stability, forcing consumers to feel the pinch whenever they reach for eggs at the grocery store.

 A dozen grade A, large eggs currently cost an average of $3 in the U.S. Prices are presently higher at 713.43 per cent compared to 1935. But what could be driving the gradual price rise, and what does this mean for consumers, farmers, and the economy? 

In their News Release, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes a rise in the food index by 0.4 percent in January, with the index of meat, fish, poultry, and eggs rising by 0.1 percent over the month. In December 2022, egg prices shot up to 59 percent, the highest ever reported for food prices. 

The blame for the high cost is majorly placed on the avian flu outbreak. The avian Influenza virus is a highly contagious viral infection that affects birds, including domestic poultry such as chickens. The outbreak affected over 67 countries, killing over 130 million domestic poultry in 2022. 

The avian influenza can not only affect over 100 species of birds around the world but also spreads quickly. Its mortality rate is between 90% to 100% in chickens within 48 hours. The flu has led to the death and slaughter of around 82 million egg-laying chickens in U.S. states to limit its spread.

In addition, production costs may become unbearable for poultry farmers. Direct or indirect contact with infected birds represent a significant risk for human infection and death. Influenza viruses have been associated with human death in different parts, including Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and the Pacific. “We need to see if more birds are affected by influenza. If we get the outbreak under control, it will be better every month,” said Maro Ibarburu, a business analyst at the Egg Industry Center at Iowa State University.

With such an outbreak it’s obvious that measures are put in place to ensure the safety of unaffected birds and farmers. Such include culling infected birds and restricting the movement of poultry products, which end up affecting the supply of eggs. 

The decreased supply and increased production costs can significantly drive up the price of eggs in the market. In countries like Kenya, skyrocketing prices  are lowering the hopes of large scale poultry farmers. “Farming is becoming unbearable since the cost of chicken feed has risen significantly.” Mary Kabera, Poultry Farmer, told K24. “High cost of fuel, taxation, and maize scarcity is a major cause of the rise in chicken feeds and farm production,” Dorcas Moneki, A Veterinary Practitioner, also told K24.

However, it’s essential to note that other factors, such as state laws, environmental factors, and consumer demand, can also influence egg prices. In states like Hawaii and Florida, egg prices are as high as $9.73 and $6.36 a dozen, consecutively. In California, the state mandates farmers to raise cage-free hens, which could threaten the state’s egg supplies. 

Cracking open the mystery behind rising prices means uncovering the demand dynamics, which have become more notable over the recent years. Eggs are a versatile food option used in most recipes—from protein-packed breakfast omelettes to fluffy cakes; they appeal to consumers alike. 

Shifting consumer lifestyles, characterized by a heightened focus on convenience and nutrition and responsible sourcing of food ingredients, have led to an upsurge in egg-based products such as ready-to-eat breakfast sandwiches and protein-rich snacks. “I would say 70 percent of our menu either has in it or revolves around or is egg-centric in some way,” Tim Burke, In A Pickle Restaurant Owner, told PBS NewsHour. “The egg prices are just about 220 percent year over year right now,” Burk says, forcing him to hike his menu prices.

In recent years, the demand for eggs in the United States has seen a noticeable increase. By 2023, the average consumption of eggs per person in the country was expected to rise further, reaching approximately 284.4 eggs per capita by 2024. The intersection of these multifaceted demand drivers exerts upward pressure on egg prices. 

A multitude of factors spanning environmental sustainability, health considerations, political dynamics, and beyond can promote shifts within the realm of poultry farming. Given that risk assessments in food safety hinge on the quantification of hazards and levels of exposure, these evaluation strategies must evolve alongside changes in consumer behaviors to maintain their relevance regarding fluctuations in egg prices.

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Letaphia Yvonne

In the world of Letaphia Yvonne, every dish is not just a meal but a masterpiece.

After completing her culinary studies at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Letaphia honed her skills in various renowned kitchens nationwide.

Her innovative approach to food preparation and commitment to pushing the boundaries of culinary artistry have been influential, inspiring chefs and food enthusiasts she meets.

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