Egg shortage from Avian Influenza

The ongoing avian influenza outbreak has significantly disrupted the U.S. egg supply chain, leading to shortages and soaring prices. This crisis has profoundly impacted consumers, retailers, and foodservice providers, prompting many to seek viable alternatives. One such solution is GPI's egg replacement products, designed to alleviate the pressures caused by the current market instability.

Current Market Overview

The avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens to prevent the virus's spread. This has resulted in a substantial decrease in egg production. In January 2025, approximately 631 million eggs were produced, nearly 10% fewer than in January 2022, as flock sizes continue to decline. (people.com, theguardian.com)

Consequently, egg prices have surged dramatically. The average price for a dozen large, Grade A eggs was $4.15 in December 2024, up from $2.52 in January 2024. citeturn0search8 The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that egg prices will increase by 41.1% in 2025. (abcnews.go.com)

Market Adaptations

In response to the shortage and escalating prices, various sectors have implemented adaptive measures:

• Retailers: Major grocery chains, including Trader Joe's and Walmart, have imposed purchase limits on eggs to manage limited supplies and ensure equitable distribution among consumers. (thesun.com)

• Foodservice Industry: Restaurants heavily reliant on eggs have adjusted their pricing structures. For instance, Waffle House introduced a 50-cent surcharge per egg to offset increased costs, ensuring they can continue offering egg-based dishes without compromising quality. citeturn0news30

GPI's Egg Replacement Solutions

To address these challenges, GPI offers functional egg replacements specifically designed for bakery applications. Our products serve as reliable alternatives to traditional eggs, providing several key benefits:

• Binding: Our egg replacements effectively bind ingredients, maintaining the structure and integrity of baked goods.

• Air Cell Retention: They help retain air cells within the batter, resulting in light and fluffy textures.

• Structure & Volume Maintenance: Post-baking, our solutions ensure that products maintain their intended structure and volume.

• Moisture Retention: They aid in retaining moisture, extending the freshness and shelf life of baked goods.

• Price Stability: Unlike traditional eggs, which are subject to market volatility, our egg replacements offer stable pricing, allowing for more predictable production costs.

Conclusion

The current avian influenza outbreak has underscored the vulnerabilities within the egg supply chain, leading to significant price increases and supply shortages. GPI's egg replacement solutions provide a functional and cost-effective alternative, enabling bakeries and food manufacturers to maintain product quality and operational stability amidst market fluctuations.

By integrating GPI's egg alternatives, businesses can mitigate the impact of egg shortages, ensure consistent product offerings, and navigate the current crisis with greater confidence.

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