The recent avian flu outbreak has significantly impacted the egg market, leading to concerns about supply, pricing, and availability. At Stew Leonard’s, we’re committed to providing our customers with farm-fresh food and wine, even amidst these challenges. Let’s delve into the current egg situation and what it means for you.
Understanding the Egg Shortage at Stew Leonard’s
The current egg shortage boils down to simple economics: supply and demand. While roughly 300 million chickens lay eggs in the US, the highly contagious avian flu has wiped out 15-20% of the supply. Our dedicated chicken farmers, partners of Stew Leonard’s for 35 years, are taking extraordinary measures to contain the virus, implementing strict biosecurity protocols similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This drastic reduction in supply has naturally led to a price increase. Conventional egg prices have doubled in the past year, reaching approximately $10 per dozen. Interestingly, this price surge has created an unusual situation where conventional eggs are now more expensive than specialty eggs (organic, cage-free, pasture-raised). This inverted pricing model reflects the complexities of commodity pricing versus the specialty egg market.
Stew Leonard’s Commitment to Customers
Despite these challenges, Stew Leonard’s remains committed to keeping our shelves stocked with farm-fresh eggs. Thanks to our long-standing relationships with local farmers, we’ve secured our usual egg supply, although we’ve implemented a temporary limit of four dozen eggs per customer to ensure equitable access for all. This measure helps us manage demand while preventing bulk purchases that could deplete inventory (we recently had a restaurant attempt to purchase 60 dozen!).
Key Takeaways from Stew Leonard’s
Here’s what you need to know about the current egg situation:
- No Human Health Risk: While the avian flu is a serious concern for poultry, it poses no threat to human health. You can confidently continue to enjoy eggs as part of a healthy diet.
- No Quick Fix: Replenishing the chicken population takes time. It takes approximately 12 weeks for baby chicks to mature into egg-laying hens. We anticipate the current situation to persist for two to six months as farmers rebuild their flocks. Stew Leonard’s farm fresh food and wine selection will continue to offer alternatives during this time.
- Future Price Drop Anticipated: As chicken flocks recover and egg production increases, we expect prices to eventually stabilize and decline. We encourage patience and understanding during this temporary disruption.
At Stew Leonard’s, we’re dedicated to providing our community with high-quality, farm-fresh food and wine. We’re working closely with our farmers to navigate this challenge and ensure a consistent supply of eggs for our valued customers. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
