DETROIT – The price of eggs has increased over the past six months.
The spread of bird flu has forced farmers to slaughter millions of chickens a month and pushing U.S. egg prices to more than double their cost in the summer of 2023, according to the Associated Press. The average price for a dozen of eggs hit $4.15 in December. The previous record-high for a dozen eggs nationwide was $4.82 in January 2023.
---> Egg prices are soaring. Don’t expect that to change anytime soon
Whenever you come to Detroit’s eastern market, you may find many Metro Detroit businesses that look like they are thriving.
But behind the scenes, a couple of local bakers are telling us a different story. They say right now, the price of inflation is making a big impact on their businesses.
“I have seen more small businesses in the food industry this year disappear in Detroit than any other years, even 2020,” said Marie Wallace, the owner of The French Cow Crepes Shop.
Wallace posted a video on Instagram this week that’s attracting the attention of some and the support of others.
“Right now, I had to furlough my employees until the season starts at Eastern Market; it’s because I cannot afford to buy the food, pay for the rent, pay for the kitchen, and pay for my employees and then also make a living,” Wallace said.
Wallace operates her small business from Detroit’s Eastern Market.
She explained that eggs are needed to make her main specialty product.
But The French Cow Crepes Shop says egg prices have nearly quadrupled. And that’s making things tough.
“It’s insane. It’s heartbreaking, actually,” Wallace said.
And that business isn’t alone.
Sarah Reid is the co-owner of Flavorful Creations. Another Detroit-based bakery.
" I don’t want to raise my prices so much again because then I’ll price myself out of the market. But then I also need to make sure that I have a profit. So, it’s just creating that balance,” said Reid.
According to the USDA, the demand for eggs continues to rise as supply remains limited and inconsistent, partly due to avian flu outbreaks nationwide.
At the same time, some grocers are limiting how many eggs consumers can purchase while holding prices at record or near-record highs.
Reid says Flavorful Creations is baking and selling more vegan offerings and is also taking on more private catering gigs. Relying less on egg-based options.
“It’s allowed me to be more creative with my vegan desserts and experiment. And they all taste great,” Reid said.
But the impact of inflation on some small businesses is painful. While remaining optimistic for some relief.
“I’m trying to resist. I don’t know how long I have it in me to put up a fight,” Wallace said.
On Saturdays, you can typically find The French Cow and Flavorful Creations at Eastern Market.
Some business owners tell us they’re working with other groups to help raise awareness about the impacts of inflation on small businesses.
