The National Egg Shortage: Last spring, the H5N2 avian influenza virus hit farms in the Midwest, resulting in over 48 million turkey and chicken deaths. As a result, May egg production totaled 8 billion, down 5 percent from 2014, according to the USDA. There was also a decrease in laying hens; as of June 1, the layers totaled 329 million, down 8 percent from last year. And in Florida, 6,856,000 table eggs were produced in the month of May, down from 7,336,000 table eggs in June of last year. And that has affected prices.
How much might eggs increase in cost? According to industry reports, possibly double. In speaking to a few dairy owners that manufacturer ice cream, they don’t expect to see stabilized pricing for another year to 1.5 years. The smart ones that paid attention to the outbreak, purchased early and secured enough egg inventory to hold them for at least 12 months. The companies that did not buy in or have the finances to invest in future inventory, will probably be forced to pass on a increase to their customers.
Are eggs in ice cream? Yes, some ice cream formulas such as Häagen-Dazs® contain egg as part of the base in some flavors, as a stabilizer or emulsifier and flavor enhancer (think French Vanilla or Frozen Custard). Additionally, egg can be found outside of your favorite flavor base as an inclusion with items like brownie pieces, cookies, frosting, and some candy toppings just to name a few.
Will we see the price of ice cream increase at the grocery store? It will depend on the manufacturer and product category. A lower grade of ice cream which is typically 10% butterfat with 100% overrun, unless contained in an inclusion, should not, because they very seldom use egg in the base in order to save money. For a super premium brand, the cost should only affect particular flavors with egg added which would be included on the ingredient statement, so not the entire brand. Most of the companies you see on the grocery shelf, are manufactured by large corporations such as Unilever or Nestle’, who already purchase egg as a commodity, so futures have been secured, much the same as when purchasing sugar. So depending on their overall inventory, they may not have to increase for at least 12 months. Unfortunately, there are those companies that will take advantage of the situation even if their product does not include egg.
However, don’t get too depressed or concerned over the possibility of a cost increase of your favorite ice cream brand, because the percentage used is much smaller when compared to using a shell egg in a recipe. Buying a dozen eggs is where you will feel it most in your wallet. So consider getting your morning egg protein from ice cream instead of over easy. It could save you money as well as make a great excuse for eating French Vanilla with your morning coffee.
Not sure if your product needs to contain egg, contact Darryl to understand ingredient options.
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