Why Wholesale Egg Prices Change Daily (And How to Plan Around It)

If you’ve bought wholesale eggs for more than a few weeks, you’ve noticed that prices move. A lot. A case that cost $24 this Monday might cost $28 next Monday — or $20. The daily swings confuse buyers who are used to stable vendor pricing on other ingredients.

Eggs Trade Like a Commodity

Unlike most food products, shell eggs trade on a daily market. Every morning, the wholesale market adjusts based on what producers have, what distributors need, and what’s happening in the broader supply chain. The main reference point is the Expana (formerly Urner Barry) price sheet, which publishes daily wholesale egg prices.

What Actually Drives Prices

Bird flu. When avian influenza hits commercial flocks, millions of laying hens can be lost in weeks. Supply tightens, prices spike. This is the single biggest driver of egg price volatility.

Seasonal demand. Demand spikes around Easter, Passover, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Retailers stock up, bakeries ramp production, and wholesale prices respond.

Feed costs. Hens eat corn and soy. When grain markets move, egg production costs move with them.

Cage-free transition. As laws phase in, farms have to invest in new housing. That cost gets passed through the supply chain.

Weather. Cold snaps, heat waves, and storms can all affect production in specific regions.

How to Plan Around Volatility

1. Request pricing regularly. Don’t assume last month’s price is this month’s price.
2. Build flexibility into your menu pricing. Smart operators adjust menu prices gradually during volatile periods.
3. Lock in longer contracts when prices are low. If the market hits a floor, ask your supplier about locking in pricing.
4. Diversify your sizes. When Jumbos spike, Larges might still be affordable.
5. Work with a transparent supplier. The best suppliers tell you what’s happening in the market and why prices are moving.