Supermarkets struggle to restock shelves amid ongoing shortage of this key staple
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For many Australians, particularly those of us in the over-60s bracket who appreciate the simple pleasures of a home-cooked meal, the humble egg is a staple of our daily diet.
Whether poached, scrambled, or fried, eggs are a versatile and nutritious start to the day.
However, our beloved breakfast ingredient is currently under threat, and it's not just the early bird that's missing out on the worm—it's all of us.
The current egg shortage has left many supermarket shelves bare, and the situation doesn't seem to be improving anytime soon.
The root of the problem is a perfect storm of avian influenza outbreaks, heightened seasonal demand, and a significant industry shift towards more ethical egg production practices.
The avian influenza outbreak that hit in mid-2024 has had a lasting impact on supply chains.
Poultry farmers, already grappling with the disease's effects, cannot quickly ramp up production to meet the soaring demand.
As a result, consumers are facing the reality of empty egg shelves and purchase limits at some major supermarkets.
Danyel Cucinotta, a third-generation caged-egg farmer from Werribee, Victoria, has noticed firsthand the increased consumer concern.
'Plenty of friends have been calling me asking why they can't get eggs,' she shared.
And while supermarkets like Woolworths strive to boost supply, Cucinotta warned that shortages may persist for another six to 12 months.
'Egg demand is only increasing,' she explains. 'You'll see us playing catch up for quite some time.' he said.
The production lag is inevitable as farmers recover from quarantine measures and transition from caged to barn-laid or free-range systems.
Melinda Hashimoto, the chief executive, points out that establishing new farming infrastructure requires both time and significant capital expenditure.
The advice for those of us on the hunt for eggs is to look beyond the major supermarkets.
'Major supermarkets have put up signs apologising for fewer eggs being on their shelves,' Hashimoto says.
'However, you will find plenty of eggs at your independent grocery stores or local fruit and vegetable outlets.'
The shortage has also led to a noticeable price jump. Managing director of Creswick Open Range Farm in Victoria, Boyd Carmody, reported that 'demand for eggs is through the roof —no-one can meet supply.'
As a result, the price of eggs, particularly caged eggs, has increased significantly.
'You don't see caged eggs for $3 a dozen anymore,' Carmody notes.
With the price gap between caged and open-range eggs narrowing, consumers seem more willing to pay a premium for the latter.
According to Liam Brokensha, director of The Splendid Egg Poultry Farm in South Australia, ramping up egg supply on the farm would take around six months.
'It would be great if you could tell the girls to do two eggs daily instead of one when you need them,' he quipped.
As we navigate this egg shortage, we must be patient and creative with our meal planning.
Consider exploring alternative protein sources or supporting local farmers by purchasing from smaller stores.
And remember, while the situation may be frustrating, it's also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of sustainable and ethical food production practices.
How has the egg shortage affected your shopping habits and breakfast routines? Have you found alternative sources or substitutes that work just as well? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
Whether poached, scrambled, or fried, eggs are a versatile and nutritious start to the day.
However, our beloved breakfast ingredient is currently under threat, and it's not just the early bird that's missing out on the worm—it's all of us.
The current egg shortage has left many supermarket shelves bare, and the situation doesn't seem to be improving anytime soon.
The root of the problem is a perfect storm of avian influenza outbreaks, heightened seasonal demand, and a significant industry shift towards more ethical egg production practices.
The avian influenza outbreak that hit in mid-2024 has had a lasting impact on supply chains.
Egg shortages are being experienced by supermarkets, including Woolworths, due to avian influenza and a shift to barn-laid or free-range systems. Credit: Arder_Ho / iStock
Poultry farmers, already grappling with the disease's effects, cannot quickly ramp up production to meet the soaring demand.
As a result, consumers are facing the reality of empty egg shelves and purchase limits at some major supermarkets.
Danyel Cucinotta, a third-generation caged-egg farmer from Werribee, Victoria, has noticed firsthand the increased consumer concern.
'Plenty of friends have been calling me asking why they can't get eggs,' she shared.
And while supermarkets like Woolworths strive to boost supply, Cucinotta warned that shortages may persist for another six to 12 months.
'Egg demand is only increasing,' she explains. 'You'll see us playing catch up for quite some time.' he said.
The production lag is inevitable as farmers recover from quarantine measures and transition from caged to barn-laid or free-range systems.
Melinda Hashimoto, the chief executive, points out that establishing new farming infrastructure requires both time and significant capital expenditure.
The advice for those of us on the hunt for eggs is to look beyond the major supermarkets.
'Major supermarkets have put up signs apologising for fewer eggs being on their shelves,' Hashimoto says.
'However, you will find plenty of eggs at your independent grocery stores or local fruit and vegetable outlets.'
The shortage has also led to a noticeable price jump. Managing director of Creswick Open Range Farm in Victoria, Boyd Carmody, reported that 'demand for eggs is through the roof —no-one can meet supply.'
As a result, the price of eggs, particularly caged eggs, has increased significantly.
'You don't see caged eggs for $3 a dozen anymore,' Carmody notes.
With the price gap between caged and open-range eggs narrowing, consumers seem more willing to pay a premium for the latter.
According to Liam Brokensha, director of The Splendid Egg Poultry Farm in South Australia, ramping up egg supply on the farm would take around six months.
'It would be great if you could tell the girls to do two eggs daily instead of one when you need them,' he quipped.
As we navigate this egg shortage, we must be patient and creative with our meal planning.
Consider exploring alternative protein sources or supporting local farmers by purchasing from smaller stores.
And remember, while the situation may be frustrating, it's also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of sustainable and ethical food production practices.
