Egg prices soar as bird flu outbreak devastates supply

In January 2025, average egg prices in the United States reached a record high in response to a bird flu outbreak that began in 2022, which has considerably decreased the egg supply. The price of a dozen Grade A eggs surpassed $4.95, significantly higher than the previous low of $2.04 in August 2023, with some areas reporting prices as high as $10. The escalating costs have led to grocery stores implementing purchase limits for customers as they struggle to maintain stock. These challenges have heightened as demand typically increases around Easter, which may lead to further price hikes of about 20% as predicted by the USDA. The outbreak has resulted in a severe reduction of egg-laying hens across the country, with over 23 million birds slaughtered in January alone. The US Department of Agriculture indicated that the scarcity of eggs has also been affected by legal regulations concerning cage-free environments, which have tightened the supply even further. Egg farmers are facing increased operational costs due to inflation, impacting feed, fuel, and labor. With egg-laying flocks decimated by the virus, bakeries and restaurants have been forced to raise prices or limit egg dish availability, causing additional strain on small businesses that rely heavily on this key ingredient. Community stories have emerged regarding how local two- and three-egg sales have become common in some neighborhoods, like Bronx bodegas, as customers seek affordable options amid soaring prices. Consumers report struggling to manage grocery budgets as components needed for meals become more expensive. They are now considering alternatives to procuring eggs as the implications of the bird flu outbreak continue to unfold, forcing businesses and consumers alike to adapt to a new reality in egg availability and cost. As these price hikes and shortages impact day-to-day life, the broader implications for the agricultural sector remain uncertain, with stakeholders hoping for a resolution to stabilize the egg market in the coming months.