Tesco, Sainsbury's, Aldi and Lidl are being forced to display signs warning customers of a shortage of eggs.
Lidl have began rationing eggs in some stores - with only three cartons per customer allowed - and Sainsbury's have ran out of stock altogether in some of their supermarkets. It comes as the UK is being hit by supply issues.
While all four of the stores have displayed signs warning of shortages, Wetherspoons has been forced to change its menu. The pub is trying to cater to huge demand and plunging supply stocks, reported Birmingham Live.
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The British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) said: "Feeding hens is now at least 50% more expensive than it was, and energy prices have soared in the same way that consumers have seen their domestic bills rise. Spending on fuel has grown by 30%, while labour and packaging also costs more."
The Department Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said: "We understand the difficulties the bird flu outbreak is causing for farmers, however the laying hen population is approximately 38 million so it's unlikely to affect the overall supply."
Grocery insight CEO Steve Dresser has revealed Lidl is taking action, by erecting signs warning of supply issues. A sign read: "Eggs are limited to three units per customer to ensure that everyone has the essentials they need."
Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: "While avian flu has disrupted the supply of some egg ranges, retailers are experts at managing supply chains." A BFREPA spokesperson said: “Many of our members are losing money on every egg laid, and our data shows that even those who are making a small profit do not see a long-term future.
“Fewer hens means fewer eggs and we warned in March that eggs could be in short supply by Christmas. Egg supply naturally tightens at this time of year as businesses and individuals prepare for Christmas, which may be exacerbating the situation. On top of this, avian influenza has resulted in the culling of laying hens too.”
Shaun Allen, CEO of Prestige Purchasing, said: “The speed of price rises from suppliers to the hospitality sector continues to increase, and there is little that we can see in the months ahead that will change that. Inflation has well and truly taken root in our supply chains, and whilst we do expect prices to rise more slowly in 2023 we believe we will still be seeing significant levels of inflation for most of next year.
“With so many other pressures it would be easy for operators to take the eye off the ball of managing supply prices, which in this market could be very costly.”
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