Global egg prices have risen following outbreaks of bird flu creating shortages and putting pressure on supply chains.

Prices are now 60% higher than in 2019, spurred by cases of avian flu across North America and Europe, leading to the culling of tens of millions of birds, reported the Financial Times.

Almost 33 million commercial laying hens were culled in the US this year, while the UK also suffered outbreaks of bird flu throughout 2023, with the last known case reported in February this year.

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Last July, the owner of Burford Brown warned of future shortages as UK farmers struggled with uncertainty surrounding bird flu resulting in some downsizing their flocks and even leaving the industry.

Global egg price rises and shortages are also likely to have a knock-on impact on global brands and food and drink manufacturers that use the ingredient in their products.

The news comes amid significant innovation and investment in the UK egg sector, with Lidl earlier this mont revealing it is to invest £1bn in the British egg industry over the next five years, while in August, Sainsbury’s became the first UK retailer to launch a development group to support its egg suppliers.