Walmart Maintains Egg Supply for Customers Despite Shortage

Even with an ongoing shortage caused by the current bird flu pandemic, Walmart has committed to keeping eggs on the shelves. At the moment, Walmart is not setting a limit on egg purchases by customers, with the only exception being a 60-count package.

“It’s really important to provide surety of supply for our customers so that they can come and get the items that they want,” Walmart CFO John David Rainey told FOX Business. “We’ve been fortunate to be able to do that, thus far.” 

According to Rainey, Walmart is doing everything it can to meet demand by working with suppliers. For now, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has committed to keeping prices low regardless of supply pressure from the widespread avian flu cases.

Meanwhile, Walmart rival Whole Foods is limiting egg purchases to three cartons per customer. According to the Amazon-owned store, difficulties in getting eggs that meet animal welfare requirements are putting supply in jeopardy.

Trader Joe’s has also put a strict limit on egg sales. Currently, only one, 12-egg carton per shopper is allowed per day.

Egg Shortages Impacting More Than Walmart and Other Retailers

The egg shortage is not only affecting retailers like Walmart. With limited supply and uncertainty about future orders, restaurants across the country are being forced to raise prices on dishes that use eggs.

Earlier this month, breakfast-focused Waffle House added a 50-cent surcharge on each egg served. Diners were met with an explanation of the extra charge on a sticker adhered to the menu at Waffle House locations nationwide.

“When shortages like this happen, operators work closely with their food suppliers to determine how it will impact them,” said the National Restaurant Association’s Sean Kennedy, per FOX Business. “There are several options operators consider, from changing their menus to increasing their prices.” 

In January, egg prices reached an all-time high, with the average price per dozen hitting $4.95. In contrast, consumers could buy 12 eggs for $2.04 in August 2023.  

According to a projection released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the cost of eggs will continue to climb this year. The agency expects a 20% increase in price and continued shortages as the market recovers from the bird flu pandemic.