A recent price jump in mainland eggs has made local ones more appealing. And the shelves at stores… Empty.
"The main culprit of the problem is we came out of Christmas and New Year’s without any inventory. Mainland egg prices went up unexpectedly, and demand went up because the disparity between the mainland egg price and the local egg price was less," Ka Lei Eggs President Lois Shimabukuro said.
With Easter coming soon, they are working hard to catch up. But even stores that are serviced by other local farms also seem to be running low.
Peterson Farms is one of four local egg farms left on Oahu and even though they don’t service the stores, Mr. Peterson says that they too are seeing a shortage this season.
"The primary reason for our shortage, I think, is because we changed flocks and got rid of the older birds and put in some young ones that aren’t really laying yet, they’re just starting," Peterson Farms owner James Peterson said.
With news of the egg shortage spreading, both Ka Lei Eggs and Peterson Farms have been closing up shop early.
"They would be waiting outside at 8 o’clock, our store opens at 9 a.m. It became kind of a frenzy who can get the first tray," Shimabukuro said.
"They’re realizing that if they come early they can get what they want, so as a result that has compressed people into the first part of the day," Peterson said.
But it doesn’t stop the most loyal customers from driving across town to get the freshest eggs.
"Buy fresh? Of course. Your cake comes out a little bit better," customer Edwina Wong said.
"I come out from Waipio Gentry and I actually pick up eggs every week and sell them at the farmers market at KCC," customer Dayne Rego said.
"It has been heartwarming that we have so many local customers, loyal local customers," Shimabukuro said.
Both farmers say inventories are climbing, hopefully just in time for Easter.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
