The egg-cost crisis has reached a boiling point, with Waffle House announcing a 50-cent surcharge on each egg ordered due to rising prices. As inflation and the ongoing bird-flu outbreak drive up costs, restaurants and grocery stores are struggling to maintain their pricing logic.
Egg prices have risen dramatically in recent weeks, from an average of $2 per dozen in 2022 to over $4 today. The USDA has forecasted a 20 percent further price jump for eggs in 2025. Many grocers have traditionally used the “loss leader” strategy, subsidizing egg costs to attract customers and drive sales.
However, with wholesale costs soaring at around $7 per dozen, many stores are now passing on high prices to consumers. This is affecting not only grocery items but also restaurant menus, where a single item price increase can be difficult to absorb.
Restaurants like Waffle House are taking measures to mitigate the impact, such as adding temporary surcharges. The chain’s spokesperson stated that they will continuously monitor egg prices and adjust or remove any additional charges as market conditions allow.
Egg consumption has also seen a resurgence in recent years, with Americans eating an average of around 279 eggs per year. However, despite the drama surrounding price shifts, it is unlikely that Americans will abandon eggs entirely. As one expert noted, “eggs are so embedded in American culture,” making it a long-term phenomenon.
As the bird-flu outbreak persists, egg prices will likely remain a symbol of America’s economic and health challenges. Temporary solutions like stocking up on eggs or cutting back may not be enough to address the underlying issues.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/breaking-point-eggs-230200294.html