“Egg crisis” has begun in EU

Wholesale egg prices in the European Union hit their highest in a decade as bird flu outbreaks continue to rock the industry worldwide Prices have risen about 12% since the end of December, reaching 268.48 euros ($291.92) per 100 kilograms this month, the highest since at least 2012. Rising feed costs are exacerbating shortages caused by bird flu outbreaks. The shortage of eggs, a cheap source of protein and a breakfast staple in many diets, is not limited to Europe. The United States is also struggling with soaring prices and is scrambling around the world for supplies after the worst bird flu outbreak on record killed millions of chickens. The egg shortage in Europe comes at a time when consumers are looking for cheaper alternatives to meat protein, said Dineo Komane, an egg sector reporter at market intelligence firm Expana. In addition, the Netherlands, a leading egg exporter, has scaled back its livestock farming in recent years to reduce carbon emissions. Still, the ...