Consumer Egg Prices Hit Record High

News Summary

In March 2025, egg prices soared to a record $6.23 per dozen, driven by increased demand ahead of Easter and ongoing supply challenges. Despite a recent drop in wholesale prices and no new bird flu outbreaks, retail prices remain high. Notably, more than 30 million egg-laying chickens have been culled recently. Concerns persist about the overall supply reduction as the USDA takes measures to stabilize the market. Restaurants are adapting, and some consumers are turning to crafty alternatives amid the rising costs.

Consumer Egg Prices Hit Record High

Consumers across the country are feeling the pinch as egg prices soar to an astonishing $6.23 per dozen in March 2025. This hefty price tag comes as demand for eggs ramps up in anticipation of the Easter holiday, which falls on April 20 this year. It’s a confusing situation since wholesale prices of eggs have recently dropped, and there have been no new bird flu outbreaks reported at egg farms.

The Price Journey

To put things into perspective, let’s take a quick look at the price trajectory. Back in January, consumers paid around $4.95 for a dozen eggs. By February, that cost climbed to $5.90, showcasing a worrying trend as millions of egg-laying chickens were culled in a bid to control bird flu outbreaks, which ultimately triggered serious supply shortages.

In January and February alone, over 30 million birds were lost as farms took preventive measures. However, in March, this number fell dramatically, with only 2.1 million birds culled, all of which were not from egg farms. It seems the situation is stabilizing but is still impacting prices.

Supply Chain Concerns

Despite the drop in the number of birds lost in March, the total number of hens laying eggs has dipped to about 285 million, significantly down from over 315 million before the outbreak started. This reduction in supply mixed with the usual Easter demand has compounded the price increase. In the week of March 16, however, consumers saw some relief as egg prices averaged $5.98 per dozen, dipping further to $5.51 by the end of the month.

Wholesale vs. Retail Prices

Experts have noted that while wholesale prices began to drop in mid-March, this decrease hasn’t yet trickled down to the average retail price. This discrepancy could spell hope for consumers as the situation continues to unfold post-Easter, and retailers might eventually adjust prices in response to lower costs.

Regional Price Variations

The price of eggs isn’t uniform across the nation, with some areas feeling the effects more than others. In Richmond, California, a dozen eggs can cost as high as $6.34, while folks in Omaha, Nebraska, are seeing prices as low as $4.97. The variations reflect local supply issues and market dynamics.

Impact on Restaurants and Alternative Products

High egg prices are not just affecting grocery bills; restaurants are having to rethink their pricing strategies too. Some eateries have raised menu prices or are even opting for eggless alternatives to deal with these soaring costs. It’s a tough climate for independent restaurants, many of which are feeling the squeeze in their finances due to these egg price challenges.

A New Egg Production Era?

As egg prices remain high, the USDA has stepped in by importing nearly 4 million dozen eggs in February 2025, while exporting 7.6 million dozen to balance out the supply. Yet not everyone in the egg industry has been hurt; Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer in the United States, reported an eye-popping net income of $508.5 million for the quarter ending March 1, 2025, a significant increase from the previous year. However, they are also under investigation for potential price-fixing practices related to the ongoing price surge.

Crafty Consumer Trends

Interestingly, the rising cost of natural eggs may be influencing consumer behavior in unexpected ways. Sales of plastic egg craft kits at stores like Michaels have reportedly surged by 20%, as families look for cost-effective options for their Easter activities.

As we navigate these fluctuating egg prices, it’s clear that both consumers and producers are closely watching the situation in hopes of a return to normalcy.

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