The price of eggs in California has skyrocketed, with some areas seeing nearly $9 per dozen. The surge is driven by high demand and a bird flu outbreak.
The USDA reported last week that the benchmark price for large shell eggs in California climbed to $8.97 per dozen. This sharp increase is due to reduced supply.
Online grocery prices reflect the trend. In Chico, Walmart listed an 18-count carton of Great Value Cage-Free Large White Eggs at $9.52, while a dozen cost $7.22.
At Safeway in the same city, 18-count Lucerne Farms Cage-Free Large White Eggs were priced at $12.99. A dozen was unavailable for purchase online.
Both Walmart and Safeway's parent company, Albertsons, declined to comment on the rising egg prices.
"Demand for shell eggs rose slightly in the last two weeks of the year," the USDA explained. "Tight supplies from bird flu outbreaks have pushed prices past previous records set in December 2022."
The FDA also noted a 4% drop in U.S. egg production in November. Bird flu and higher prices are taking a toll on supply and consumers alike.
Kevin Bergquist of Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute said egg prices have stayed elevated since 2023. Holiday demand and supply disruptions from bird flu are key factors.
Over the past year, prices have often surpassed 2022 levels, which were already affected by bird flu. November wholesale prices jumped 55%, though consumer prices vary.
The Consumer Price Index showed a 0.5% rise in grocery prices for November. Eggs saw the steepest increase, jumping 8.2%.
Meat, poultry, and fish prices rose by 1.7%, but eggs led the pack. Before the March 2022 bird flu outbreak, wholesale prices were under $1.50 per dozen.
That outbreak disrupted the market, causing record prices in December 2022. Prices stabilized somewhat in 2023 as flocks were rebuilt.