The foodservice industry is no stranger to supply chain challenges, but the current egg crisis is sending shockwaves through restaurant operations, retail, and manufacturing alike. With egg prices projected to increase by another 20% in 2025—currently trading over $7 per dozen for conventional white eggs and nearly $9 per dozen for cage-free eggs—operators must take strategic steps to mitigate financial strain.
At Buyers Edge Platform, we equip foodservice businesses with the tools, data, and partnerships needed to navigate these market disruptions efficiently.
Understanding the Egg Crisis: Market Insights & Cost Drivers
Egg prices continue to soar, largely due to the ongoing outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which has significantly reduced the U.S. egg-laying hen population—over 30 million birds have been lost in just 30 days, marking the highest number of cases ever for the virus. The rapid spread of HPAI has been exacerbated by cross-contamination with other farm animals, including cattle. Rising feed and energy costs, along with newly enforced cage-free mandates in states like California and Massachusetts, have only added to the supply strain.
For restaurants, bakeries, and food manufacturers, this means tough choices: absorb higher costs, adjust menu pricing, or explore alternative ingredients. Buyers Edge Platform helps operators make informed, data-driven decisions through real-time commodity insights, cost control tools, and supplier diversification strategies.
How Buyers Edge Platform Helps You Stay Ahead
To help foodservice operators tackle rising egg costs and supply chain challenges, Buyers Edge Platform offers a range of strategic solutions designed to enhance purchasing efficiency, mitigate risks, and drive long-term stability.
1. Market Updates and Commodity Intelligence
Innovative technology such as ArrowStream and InsideTrack provide real-time commodity reports, forecasting tools, and market insights helping operators anticipate market fluctuations and make proactive purchasing decisions.
2. Visibility into Spending and Cost Control
Software solutions such as Back Office offer full transparency into food cost management data, helping operators track costs, optimize inventory, and maximize savings.
3. Supplier Diversification and Strategic Sourcing
Consolidated Concepts and Source1 connect operators with a broad supplier network, reducing reliance on a single vendor and mitigating supply chain risks. With the egg market facing ongoing shortages and high pricing, dual sourcing strategies are essential. Historically, many operators have relied on single-sourced eggs, but diversifying suppliers can help reduce risk and ensure consistent supply.
4. Exploring Egg Alternatives and Ingredient Optimization
Dining Alliance helps independent operators explore plant-based and synthetic egg alternatives to maintain menu quality while reducing costs. Additionally, operators should consider using liquid eggs instead of shell eggs, as well as being flexible with egg color and sizing to secure the best available supply. Reevaluating LTOs (limited-time offers) or delaying new egg-heavy menu items can also help mitigate cost increases until pricing stabilizes later in the year.
5. Optimizing Supply Stability with Fresh Sourcing
Produce Alliance and Fresh Concepts connect operators with local foodservice distributors that carry eggs as a staple item and can supplement their current supplier to help ensure consistent stock availability. This added flexibility helps mitigate supply chain disruptions and reduces the risk of shortages.
6. Contract Management and Price Protection
Supply chain experts such as Restaurant Partners Procurement (RPP) negotiate supplier contracts with protections and fixed pricing, ensuring cost stability during market disruptions. However, due to the extreme volatility of the egg market, contracts on eggs are currently unavailable, and pricing will remain open-market for the foreseeable future.
Staying Resilient in a Changing Market
Egg prices are just one of many market challenges that foodservice operators will face in 2025. Adapting to these changes requires agility, strategic purchasing, and leveraging data-driven insights. Buyers Edge Platform empowers businesses with the technology, supplier partnerships, and intelligence they need to stay ahead of market volatility and maintain operational efficiency.
As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed and proactive is the best way to ensure your business thrives. Fill out the form below to connect with Buyers Edge Platform experts today and learn how our solutions can help you navigate the egg crisis—and more
