Rising egg prices leave some New Yorkers skipping holiday traditions

NEW YORK – Soaring egg selling prices are forcing some New Yorkers to rethink, or even skip vacation traditions this yr.

Eggs have extensive been a staple of holiday getaway celebrations, notably through Passover and Easter, in which they are used as a symbolic component of the celebration. 

In accordance to Cal-Maine Food items, the premier producer of eggs in the United States, the common price of a dozen eggs is far more than double in comparison to this time past year. As of the finish of February 2023, a dozen eggs price tag $3.30, compared to $1.61 in February 2022. The drastic enhance in cost has still left quite a few individuals reeling, with some selecting to forego standard holiday getaway dishes that simply call for eggs.

Economists blame the increase on a number of things, which includes a fatal and infectious avian flu, staffing shortages, and gas costs. These things have designed a fantastic storm that has despatched egg selling prices skyrocketing.

“A great deal of persons are making use of eggs as a meat substitute. So as a result, need has been solid. Provide is on the weaker facet,” said Parul Jain, an affiliate professor at Rutgers Small business Faculty. 

The substantial demand from customers for eggs as a meat substitute has further exacerbated the source lack, driving prices even bigger.

When some may possibly find solace in the the latest USDA report that New York egg costs are down this week by 15 cents on all egg measurements, and California’s jumbo eggs are 42 cents decreased, the general trend stays a result in for worry.