California egg prices have skyrocketed to nearly $9 per dozen, leaving consumers scrambling for affordable options.
At a Glance
- California egg prices surge 70% to $8.97 per dozen due to avian influenza outbreak
- Six million egg-laying hens lost, causing significant supply disruption
- Outbreak coincides with high holiday demand, exacerbating price increases
- Recovery of egg production expected to take 4-6 months, barring further losses
Avian Influenza Decimates California’s Egg Supply
California’s egg market has been hit hard by a severe outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), leading to a staggering 70% increase in egg prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that the benchmark price for large shell eggs in California has reached $8.97 per dozen, a figure that has left many consumers shell-shocked.
The price surge is primarily attributed to the loss of approximately six million egg-laying hens due to the HPAI outbreak. In December 2024 alone, nine confirmed cases of avian influenza led to significant depopulation of layers in several California counties, including Merced, Riverside, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus. These losses have severely impacted the state’s egg production capacity, creating a ripple effect throughout the market.
Holiday Demand Compounds Supply Issues
The timing of the outbreak couldn’t have been worse for consumers. The USDA noted that these substantial losses occurred during the high-demand holiday season, further exacerbating the price increases. Retailers have been forced to limit shell egg incentives to maintain supply as demand typically decreases post-holiday.
“Production is likely going to take 4-6 months to fully recover, but only if we do not see any more layers lost to the virus,” said Brian Moscogiuri of Eggs Unlimited.
The impact of the outbreak extends beyond California’s borders. Shortages of California-compliant, cage-free eggs have been reported at major chains in California and neighboring states. This scarcity has put additional pressure on an already strained market, forcing consumers to dig deeper into their pockets for this staple food item.
National Impact and Consumer Price Index
The egg crisis is not confined to California. The total U.S. layer flock is estimated to be at or below 300 million, the lowest since the 2022 outbreaks. This national reduction in supply has led to broader economic consequences. The Consumer Price Index reported an 8.2% rise in egg prices from the previous month, underscoring the widespread impact of the avian influenza outbreak and seasonal demand on egg markets across the country.
Major retailers are reflecting these price hikes. Online prices at Walmart in Chico, California, showed an 18-count carton of eggs for $9.52 and a dozen for $7.22. Safeway listed an even higher price, with an 18-count carton of eggs going for $12.99. These prices represent a significant increase from previous years, with wholesale egg prices having risen nearly 55% in November alone.
