Empty egg shelves and purchase limits have returned to some major supermarkets as shortages continue to impact consumers.
The shortage stems from a combination of avian influenza impacts, seasonal demand, and a shift away from caged eggs, according to the Australian egg industry.
Third-generation caged-egg farmer Danyel Cucinotta, from Werribee in Victoria, said consumers had been on the lookout for eggs.
“Plenty of friends have been calling me asking why they can’t get eggs,” she said.
A Woolworths spokesperson has said it was continuing to work to boost the supply of eggs.
But according to Ms Cucinotta, shortages may last for another six to 12 months.
“Egg demand is only increasing,” Ms Cucinotta said.
“You’ll see us playing catch up for quite some time.”
Danyel Cucinotta’s family has farmed caged eggs in Werribee for more than 50 years. (ABC News: Kyle Harley)
Seasonal demand high
Egg Farmers of Australia said it took time for farmers to move back into full production after being forced into quarantine when hit with bird flu, while other parts of the industry moved to free-range production.
“The egg industry is facing a transitional period as some egg farms transition from caged-egg production to barn-laid or free-range production systems,” chief executive Melinda Hashimoto said.
On average, Australians eat about 266 eggs a year. (ABC Great Southern: Sophie Johnson)
It takes time and capital expenditure to establish new farming infrastructure.
For those on the hunt for eggs, the advice is to shop at smaller and local stores.
“Major supermarkets have put up signs apologising for fewer eggs being on their shelves,” Ms Hashimoto said.
“This is because Woolworths and Coles have a policy to mostly stock barn-laid or free-range eggs.
“However, you will find plenty of eggs at your independent grocery stores or local fruit and vegetable outlets.”
Some supermarkets have limited customers to two cartons amid the shortage. (ABC: Alana Calvert)
Price jump
Boyd Carmody is the managing director of Creswick Open Range Farm in Victoria, stocking less than 200 hens per hectare.
“Demand for eggs is through the roof — no-one can meet supply,” he said.
“Supply is going to be tight until middle to late Spring and that’s assuming we don’t get another avian influenza outbreak.
“Our sales are 25 per cent year on year compared to last year.”
Egg farmer Boyd Carmody runs an open range system in Creswick, Victoria. (ABC Rural: Eden Hynninen)
Mr Carmody said as shelves had been stripped, the price of eggs had been increasing, especially caged eggs.
“The bottom end of the market has raised their prices substantially, which is probably [positively] affecting us,” he said.
“You don’t see caged eggs for $3 a dozen anymore, I don’t think I’ve seen eggs for under $6–7 for a while.
“We don’t set the retail price of what our eggs sold are at but it’s generally around $12 a dozen, and when there’s only $5 a dozen disparity between caged eggs and open-range eggs people are prepared to spend the money.”
No quick fix for production
Six months on from the avian influenza outbreak, why hasn’t production been able to catch up?
Director of The Splendid Egg poultry farm in South Australia, Liam Brokensha said increasing egg supply on the farm would take around six months.
“Obviously I’d like to be able to take advantage of higher demand when it comes around,” he said.
Chicken farmer Liam Brokensha says regular customers have been after more eggs this summer. (ABC South East: Bec Whetham)
“But we’ve found that, in other times when we increased our numbers, no sooner have you got more eggs than demand has dropped.
“It would be great if you could just tell the girls to do two eggs a day instead of one when you need them.”
