(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Sung Hye-mi = As egg prices have surged to a 4-year high, large discount stores are on emergency alert. As eggs are a key item in the shopping basket, even though wholesale prices have increased by 10-20%, they are determined to minimize price increases to keep consumer prices under 8,000 won.
According to the distribution industry and the Livestock Products Quality Evaluation Institute on the 22nd, the average consumer egg price last month was 7,026 won for a pack of special-grade eggs (30 eggs), crossing the 7,000 won mark for the first time since July 2021.
Homeplus has frozen the price of a special-grade egg pack at 7,990 won, which it has maintained for two years, limiting the price from exceeding 8,000 won.
A Homeplus official said, "Although the wholesale price of special-grade eggs has increased by 20% compared to last year, we are reducing our margin to contribute to price stability and maintaining the price at 7,990 won" and added, "We plan to maintain the current selling price unless a special issue arises."
E-mart has also kept consumer price increases in check despite wholesale prices rising by over 10%.
E-mart's special-grade egg pack price has increased from 7,580 won in June last year to 7,980 won currently, a rise of 400 won (5.3%).
Lotte Mart's large-grade egg pack price has increased from 7,490 won in June last year to 7,990 won currently, a rise of 500 won (6.7%). Lotte Mart primarily sells large-grade eggs.
Large discount stores emphasized that daily egg supply is at 80-90% of last year's levels, and sales volumes are not insufficient. However, there is a mood of restraint regarding promotional events.
A large discount store official explained, "The current egg price perception is comparable to the level during the highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) culling in 2021, but market supply conditions are relatively stable."
They added, "Although some culling cases have recently occurred, the scale is limited compared to 2021, and the overall supply base is being maintained."
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