The cost of eggs in California has soared dramatically, with some regions experiencing prices as high as $9 per dozen. This spike is largely attributed to a surge in demand coupled with an outbreak of bird flu. According to the USDA, the benchmark price for large shell eggs in California recently jumped to $8.97 per dozen, primarily due to a reduced supply.
Online grocery platforms are reflecting this upward trend. For instance, in Chico, Walmart listed an 18-count carton of Great Value Cage-Free Large White Eggs at $9.52, while a dozen was priced at $7.22. Meanwhile, Safeway’s offerings were even higher; their 18-count Lucerne Farms Cage-Free Large White Eggs were tagged at $12.99 online, though a dozen wasn’t available for purchase.
The state officials have since demanded a mass culling of chickens due to the illness.
🇺🇸 Egg Prices going up in California thanks to Government Mandated "Bird Flu" Cullings. pic.twitter.com/AdbWPgZF2N
— Starship Alves 🚀 (@StarshipAlves) January 3, 2025
Both Walmart and Safeway’s parent company, Albertsons, have remained silent on these escalating egg prices. The USDA commented that “demand for shell eggs rose slightly in the last two weeks of the year,” noting that tight supplies from bird flu outbreaks have driven prices beyond previous records set back in December 2022.
Adding to the complexity is an FDA report indicating a 4% drop in U.S. egg production this past November. The combination of bird flu and rising costs is impacting both supply chains and consumers significantly.
Kevin Bergquist from Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute explained that egg prices have remained high since 2023 began, pointing out that holiday demand and disruptions caused by bird flu are major contributors. Throughout the past year, prices frequently exceeded those seen in 2022 when they were already impacted by bird flu concerns.
🇺🇸 Egg Prices going up in California thanks to Government Mandated "Bird Flu" Cullings. pic.twitter.com/AdbWPgZF2N
— Starship Alves 🚀 (@StarshipAlves) January 3, 2025
In November alone, wholesale prices surged by 55%, although consumer pricing varied across different locations and retailers. The Consumer Price Index revealed a modest increase of 0.5% in grocery costs for November; however, eggs experienced the most significant hike at 8.2%. While meat, poultry, and fish saw price increases of about 1.7%, it was eggs that led this upward trend.
Before the bird flu outbreak hit in March 2022, wholesale egg prices were comfortably below $1.50 per dozen—an outbreak that severely disrupted market stability and led to record highs by December of that year. Prices found some level of stabilization throughout 2023 as efforts to rebuild flocks took effect.