The increase in egg prices can be attributed to several factors, primarily the recent bird flu outbreak and new legislation regarding cage-free egg production. The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) significantly impacted the egg industry by necessitating the culling of infected flocks, which drastically reduced the supply of egg-laying hens. This shortage in supply has driven prices up.
As a result, egg prices have been rising and are expected to continue increasing into 2025. There are forecasts suggesting that the average price of a dozen large eggs could approach $5 by the end of 2025. This would surpass previous records, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the egg industry. In certain areas such as California, prices have already reached nearly $9 per dozen, reflecting regional variations in cost pressures and regulatory environments.
