Individuals can proceed to anticipate excessive costs for eggs this yr, new estimates present, as a result of ongoing avian flu outbreak and inflation.
Egg costs are estimated to extend about 20% in 2025, in comparison with about 2.2% for meals costs on the whole, based on the US Division of Agriculture’s worth outlook. Beef, espresso and orange juice are amongst groceries with larger costs, however eggs are uniquely impacted by the aggressive pressure of avian flu, which has strained provide.
RELATED: Is it OK to stockpile eggs? Eggs flying off cabinets at Bay Space shops
Whereas some states escaped final yr’s outbreaks, many have reported a resurgence of the virus, which killed about 17.2 million egg-laying hens in November and December. That’s almost half of all birds killed by the virus in 2024, based on the USDA.
The common worth of a dozen massive, grade-A eggs was $4.15 in December, up from $3.65 in November, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Egg costs had been additionally up greater than 36% year-over-year in December, based on the Client Worth Index.
The trade has seen greater than 20 consecutive months of record-high demand, based on Metz. The demand, which elevated as a result of holidays, contributes to the rising value of eggs.
Some grocers have put limits on what number of eggs a client should buy on one journey. The USDA mentioned in its egg markets overview that it’s an effort to stretch their provide as a result of, as Metz described, “people start to panic buy eggs.”
“People recognize the value in eggs, even with a slightly elevated price, and are also finding that eggs are indispensable to their daily lives,” mentioned Metz.
So long as the avian flu persists, so will excessive costs. There are outbreaks in California, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio, the USDA mentioned. About 8.3 million birds have died in January due to these outbreaks, based on the USDA.
Producers and egg wholesalers have additionally drastically elevated their costs in latest months. In New York, the wholesale worth of large-carton eggs rose to $7.24 per dozen, whereas within the Midwest it elevated to $6.84. In California, massive eggs declined to $8.35 per dozen.
That’s costing grocers, who’re holding costs at document or near-record highs, the USDA mentioned. Avian flu outbreaks have unfold to farms the place birds are raised to put eggs, hurting the inhabitants of younger birds wanted to offset the lack of egg-laying hens.
Initially Printed: January 27, 2025 at 12:07 PM PST
