Just in time for Easter egg hunts and holiday brunches, egg prices are falling sharply across the U.S., bringing relief to consumers after months of soaring costs caused by the avian flu outbreak.
Only weeks ago, egg prices hit record highs — over $8 per dozen for conventional eggs and more than $10 for cage-free — driven by the worst bird flu epidemic in U.S. history. But a combination of recovering supply and reduced consumer demand has sent prices tumbling by more than 50% in recent weeks.
Retail and wholesale prices are now dipping below $3 per dozen, and shelves that were once sparse are now fully stocked. Experts say if Easter had arrived just six weeks earlier, shortages and high prices could have disrupted the holiday.
White eggs, traditionally favored for decorating, remain slightly pricier than brown eggs in some stores, with some still around $4 a dozen. Still, most shoppers should have no trouble finding eggs for their Easter needs.
At local farmers markets, small-scale producers are also holding steady. Gail’s Egg Farm in Vineland, N.J., known for its ethical and no-kill practices, has kept prices unchanged despite holiday demand. Their premium, free-range eggs, which range from $7 to $12 a dozen, continue to sell out weekly.
Source: WHYY