Egg producers blame the ongoing bird flu outbreak for driving prices up to record highs. But some believe giant companies are taking advantage of their market dominance to profit handsomely at the expense of egg buyers.

Summary

Egg producers blame the bird flu outbreak for record-high prices, but critics argue dominant companies are exploiting supply shortages to boost profits.

With over 166 million birds culled and egg layers significantly reduced, prices surged from under $2 to nearly $5 per dozen.

Egg supply is down only 4% from last year, yet profits have surged. Cal-Maine Foods, supplying 20% of U.S. eggs, reported a $219 million profit in the last quarter, compared to just $1.2 million before the outbreak, a 18,150% increase.

Lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for a government investigation into potential monopolistic practices.

  • tburkhol@lemmy.world
    101·
    10 days ago

    Haven’t bought eggs all year. Not over $4. Of course, for me, they’re just a nice treat…shoyu eggs make a great snack; egg baked on khachapuri; fried over rice. Some people, they’re a key protein, or essential to cakes & cookies. I figure, if the price is high, then leaving them on the shelf makes more available where they’re irreplaceable, but I can still feel bad for people who have to pay that price.