Ritchies IGA boss predicts imminent egg price hikes due to bird flu
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As we navigate the ebbs and flows of the Australian economy, our grocery bills often bear the brunt of various crises.
The latest challenge hitting our wallets comes from an unexpected corner: the humble egg.
Ritchies IGA supermarket boss Fred Harrison has sounded the alarm, warning of a potential price hike for eggs as early as next week due to the country's ongoing bird flu crisis.
The avian influenza outbreak has significantly impacted poultry farms across the nation.
Eight farms in Victoria, two in New South Wales, and one in the Australian Capital Territory were forced to shut down to prevent the disease from spreading further.
The result has been devastating, with over one million chickens and ducks culled to contain the outbreak.
This dire situation has led major supermarkets, including giants Woolworths and Coles, to implement purchase limits on egg cartons.
Late last month, Woolworths customers in NSW, ACT, and Victoria faced a two-pack limit per person. At the same time, Coles introduced a similar restriction across all stores, excluding Western Australia, earlier in June.
Following suit, Harrison announced that Ritchies IGA, the country's largest independent supermarket chain, would also introduce buying limits in its Victorian outlets.
‘Our egg supplier in Victoria met with us and said they are now starting to run a bit short.’ he said.
The decision is not surprising, given the increased demand for eggs, which has spiked by an estimated 10 to 20 per cent.
‘Demand is increasing significantly. As of today in Victoria, we are moving to a two-pack limit on eggs.’ he continued.
‘I’ve been advised by our team that there are going to be price increases forwarded to us this week, and they will be implemented within a week or so,’
‘If we get the price increase, we will need to pass on the price increase.’
‘Just like fruit and vegetables, it’s the law of supply and demand. If there is a shortage in supply, prices increase.’
Due to a supply shortage, Coles supermarkets have implemented a temporary two-carton limit on egg purchases.
The shortage stems from chicken culls triggered by bird flu outbreaks, reducing egg production. You can read more about it here.
What are your thoughts on these developments? Have you noticed the egg limits at your local supermarket? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
The latest challenge hitting our wallets comes from an unexpected corner: the humble egg.
Ritchies IGA supermarket boss Fred Harrison has sounded the alarm, warning of a potential price hike for eggs as early as next week due to the country's ongoing bird flu crisis.
The avian influenza outbreak has significantly impacted poultry farms across the nation.
Eight farms in Victoria, two in New South Wales, and one in the Australian Capital Territory were forced to shut down to prevent the disease from spreading further.
The result has been devastating, with over one million chickens and ducks culled to contain the outbreak.
Ritchies IGA boss Fred Harrison warned of a potential egg price hike due to the bird flu crisis. Credit: 7News / YouTube
This dire situation has led major supermarkets, including giants Woolworths and Coles, to implement purchase limits on egg cartons.
Late last month, Woolworths customers in NSW, ACT, and Victoria faced a two-pack limit per person. At the same time, Coles introduced a similar restriction across all stores, excluding Western Australia, earlier in June.
Following suit, Harrison announced that Ritchies IGA, the country's largest independent supermarket chain, would also introduce buying limits in its Victorian outlets.
‘Our egg supplier in Victoria met with us and said they are now starting to run a bit short.’ he said.
The decision is not surprising, given the increased demand for eggs, which has spiked by an estimated 10 to 20 per cent.
‘Demand is increasing significantly. As of today in Victoria, we are moving to a two-pack limit on eggs.’ he continued.
‘I’ve been advised by our team that there are going to be price increases forwarded to us this week, and they will be implemented within a week or so,’
‘If we get the price increase, we will need to pass on the price increase.’
‘Just like fruit and vegetables, it’s the law of supply and demand. If there is a shortage in supply, prices increase.’
Due to a supply shortage, Coles supermarkets have implemented a temporary two-carton limit on egg purchases.
The shortage stems from chicken culls triggered by bird flu outbreaks, reducing egg production. You can read more about it here.
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