In a dramatic turn of events, thieves in Pennsylvania have stolen over 100,000 eggs, valued at $40,000, from a single grocer. The heist took place at Pete & Gerry's Organics in Greencastle on February 1st, targeting the back of a lorry. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the egg industry as prices continue to soar across the United States.
The average price for a carton of eggs was $2.51 in December 2023. However, in just a year, the price surged to $4.15, marking an over 65% increase. According to US government data, this significant rise is attributed to the ongoing bird flu epidemic that began in 2022. The epidemic has led to outbreaks among birds, cattle, and mammals nationwide, causing disruptions in supply chains and driving prices up.
The US Department of Agriculture reported an 8% price hike in December alone, with predictions indicating a further 20% increase by 2025. In response to these soaring prices, the popular diner chain Waffle House has implemented a $0.50 surcharge per egg for customers. They described this as a "temporary targeted surcharge tied to the unprecedented rise in egg prices."
"temporary targeted surcharge tied to the unprecedented rise in egg prices" – Waffle House
While the bird flu epidemic has significantly impacted livestock, infections in humans remain rare. Nonetheless, its effects on agriculture and food prices have been profound. The surge in egg prices has placed additional financial burdens on consumers and businesses alike.
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