Small Business Owners Struggle with Skyrocketing Egg Prices Amidst Avian Flu Outbreak
As avian flu wreaks havoc on chicken farms, small business owners relying on eggs face unprecedented price hikes and supply shortages. The average price of a dozen Grade A eggs in U.S. cities has surged to $4.95, double the low recorded in August 2023.
Impact on Bakeries
Liz Berman, owner of The Sleepy Baker, grapples with escalating costs for eggs, cocoa powder, and butter. "It's not just the price; it's also the availability," she says, describing the inconvenience of purchasing individual cartons instead of bulk flats. Anticipating sustained price pressure, Berman considers raising her prices, a move that could alienate some customers.
Cookie Makers Resort to Surcharge
In Princeton, New Jersey, John Nachlinger of Bad Cookie Company has implemented a temporary 25-cent surcharge per cookie to mitigate the increased costs. He hopes to avoid permanent price increases or altering cookie size, believing the egg shortage to be temporary.
Restaurants Adjust Menus and Reduce Waste
At Daisies in Chicago, chefs Leigh Omilinsky and Joe Frillman consider menu adjustments to minimize egg usage. Omilinsky plans to introduce more vegan and egg-free desserts, while Frillman focuses on creating eggless pasta shapes. The shortage has fostered increased awareness of ingredient waste and conservation.
Increased Demand for Farm Eggs
Stephanie Maynard of Ox Hollow Farm in Connecticut faces a surge in demand for eggs due to the shortages. Greenmarkets experience an influx of new customers desperate to secure eggs. Maynard values the personal connections established with her clients and welcomes the opportunity to attract new customers.