Egg prices in the U.S. have risen 60% over the past year, due in large part to the bird flu ravaging commercial flocks. Here's a look at why experts see the prices continuing to climb.
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On top of the record-high prices, consumers are also facing egg shortages and purchase limits at major retailers like Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ:COST) and Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI).
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that a record number of more than 20 million egg-laying chickens died in the last quarter due to bird flu.
In an attempt to contain the virus, farmers are compensated for chickens and eggs that are destroyed through a USDA program which said it had paid out $1.25 billion to farmers since the outbreak started in 2022, according to a CBS News report.
The company attributed its high revenue in part to restricted supply resulting from bird flu outbreaks. Cal-Maine Foods stock has gained more than 75% over the past six months.
Telsey Advisory Group analyst Sarang Vora initiated coverage this week on Vital Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ:VITL), a smaller producer specializing in pasture-raised eggs. Vora said he sees the company’s sales growing at an annual growth rate of 19% to 20% and hitting the $1 billion mark in 2027, versus $600 million in 2024.
This week, Rose Acre Farms, the second-largest egg producer in the U.S., confirmed its chickens had tested positive for bird flu, likely extending the period of high egg prices and shortages.
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