A significant increase in global egg prices is observed as outbreaks of bird flu disrupt supply chains.
- Global egg prices are currently 60% higher than in 2019 due to avian flu in North America and Europe.
- The culling of tens of millions of birds has exacerbated the shortage, affecting the United States and the United Kingdom.
- Industry experts warn of future shortages as uncertainty around bird flu persists, impacting farmers globally.
- Investments and innovation in the UK egg sector continue despite the challenges posed by the outbreaks.
Global egg prices have witnessed a dramatic increase, reaching 60% above 2019 levels, primarily attributed to widespread avian flu outbreaks in North America and Europe. These outbreaks have necessitated the culling of tens of millions of birds to contain the disease, severely impacting supply chains. The United States alone has seen the culling of nearly 33 million commercial laying hens this year.
The situation in the United Kingdom reflects a similar trend, where successive outbreaks of bird flu were reported throughout 2023, with the last documented case occurring in February. This has led to considerable challenges for local farmers, who continue to grapple with uncertainty surrounding future outbreaks, leading some to downsize their operations or altogether exit the industry.
Industry experts have raised alarms regarding the potential for continued shortages. As farmers face ongoing difficulties, global brands and food manufacturers that rely on eggs as a core ingredient in their products may be compelled to adjust their operations and strategies accordingly.
Despite these challenges, there is significant innovation and investment underway within the UK egg sector. Recently, a major retailer announced a £1 billion investment over five years in the British egg industry, signalling a commitment to bolstering the sector despite the adversities faced. This move is complemented by the launch of a development group by another leading supermarket to support its egg suppliers.
The persistent threat of avian flu continues to pose significant challenges to the global egg industry, necessitating adaptive strategies and sustained investment.
