Egg prices worldwide have surged due to bird flu outbreaks, affecting supply chains severely.
- Egg prices have risen by 60% since 2019, impacted by bird flu culling in North America and Europe.
- The US has seen a reduction in commercial laying hens by nearly 33 million this year due to avian influenza.
- UK experienced significant bird flu cases throughout 2023, influencing domestic supply and market stability.
- The egg industry faces challenges, as supply constraints impact global brands and manufacturers reliant on eggs.
The global egg market has been substantially affected by recent outbreaks of bird flu, causing a dramatic 60% increase in prices compared to 2019 levels. The Financial Times reports that avian flu incidents have necessitated the culling of millions of birds across North America and Europe, leading to severe disruptions in supply.
In the United States, nearly 33 million commercial laying hens have been culled this year alone, underscoring the serious impact on the industry. Similarly, the United Kingdom has reported bird flu outbreaks consistently throughout 2023, with the last known case occurring in February. This has exacerbated supply shortages and created uncertainty among farmers, some of whom have downsized or exited the industry entirely.
The volatility in egg supply is likely to have broader implications, particularly for global brands and manufacturers that depend heavily on eggs as a key ingredient. These businesses may face challenges in securing enough supply to meet production needs, potentially leading to increased costs or adjustments in product availability.
As the egg industry navigates these hurdles, significant efforts have been made towards innovation and investment within the UK sector. For instance, a major retailer has announced a substantial £1 billion investment in the British egg industry over the next five years. Such measures aim to fortify the supply chain and support domestic producers amidst ongoing challenges.
Moreover, initiatives like the establishment of a development group by another major UK retailer are set to bolster support for egg suppliers. These actions reflect a coordinated attempt to stabilise the market and ensure sustainable production practices in the face of persistent challenges.
The global egg industry faces ongoing challenges as supply shortages persist, driven by bird flu outbreaks and their impact on production capabilities.
