The price and availability of eggs have become a growing concern for consumers worldwide. Once considered an affordable staple, eggs have now entered the ranks of luxury items for many, with prices reaching unprecedented levels while availability shrinks. Recent trends indicate that these challenges are unlikely to ease soon.
One of the key drivers of rising egg prices is the ongoing avian flu pandemic, which has wreaked havoc on poultry populations across the globe. Farmers have had to cull millions of birds to contain the virus, severely impacting the supply of egg-laying hens. In the United States alone, more than 38 million birds were lost to the flu in the past year, escalating the crisis even further.
Adding to the problem is the increased consumer preference for eggs as a versatile and protein-rich food source. This has only heightened the demand during a time when supply is critically constrained. Recent reports show a nationwide rise in egg consumption, further straining an already tight market.
As if the price and supply issues weren’t enough, another complication affecting consumers is the fragility of eggshells. Scientists and market analysts are beginning to document how the structural integrity of eggshells is being impacted by stress conditions in poultry, which can include poor feed quality and fluctuating environmental conditions.
Supermarkets across major cities are struggling to keep their egg shelves stocked, with some considering limits on purchases to manage the crisis. Prices, meanwhile, have skyrocketed, with a dozen eggs costing nearly double what they did a year ago in many locations.
Efforts to manage the crisis include stronger biosecurity measures on farms to combat the spread of avian flu, but these measures are costly and take time to implement. Farmers and industry experts are urging governments to provide more support in the form of subsidies and investments in research. Meanwhile, shifting to alternatives such as plant-based egg products is being considered by some segments of the industry and consumer base—but this is unlikely to satisfy traditional egg consumers anytime soon.
The road to recovery is paved with uncertainties, including whether the avian flu will continue to plague poultry farms and how well farmers can replenish their stocks of hens. What is clear, however, is that eggs, once a humble kitchen staple, have become symbolic of the wider challenges facing global supply chains.
For the average consumer, this means adjusting budgets and expectations while keeping an eye on industry developments. Eggs are still an essential food in many cuisines, and finding sustainable ways to reintroduce affordability and stability to their market will be key in the coming months and years.
