Due to ongoing struggles with avian flu and increased holiday demand, there have been reports of egg shortages from certain regions of the U.S. and in some instances with national distributors such as UNFI and KeHE. Eggs are a critical inventory item during the holiday season, and it is essential to maintain inventory for your shoppers.

NCG recommends that members consider adjusting their approach to the egg category until supply comes back into balance with demand so that shoppers have consistent access to eggs.

Adjust in-store inventory stock levels and margin expectations as necessary.

• In the event of a shortage, plan for safety stock. Safety stock should cover multiple deliveries or as much time as can reasonably be given depending on product shelf life.  
• Assume that you will absorb additional shrink when planning to stay in stock. It’s better to have more product than you need as opposed to not enough, especially during a holiday period.  

Determine where eggs are available.

• Review current invoices for out-of-stocks and out-of-stock status. 
• Prior to ordering, inquire with the preferred source(s) whether eggs are available and what, if any, issues may be on the near horizon.
• Do not assume any source, including distributors, will proactively communicate shortages, as shortages may fluctuate weekly or even daily. 

Create a list of alternative sources that you can quickly pivot to in the event your preferred source(s) begin experiencing shortages.  

• NCG partner distributors like UNFI, UNFI Fresh (Albert’s), KeHE, Four Seasons and Russ Davis Wholesale all carry eggs; consider these alternate sources. 
• Food Service distributors should be considered as a source to fill shortages but may require that you commit to meeting order minimums. 
• When faced with an immediate shortage, consider purchasing product from other area stores, including club stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. 

Finally, utilize NCG resources to stay up to date on known issues and guidance.  

• NCG will update members via weekly updates or direct emails as actionable information becomes available.
• Visit the NCG Discussion Board to ask questions of peer co-ops and learn how other members are navigating shortages.

If you need immediate assistance triaging out-of-stocks, message NCG’s Center Store Programming Manager Patrick Neily.  

Distributors That Sell Eggs

KeHE

UNFI Fresh (Albert’s Organics)

Four Seasons Produce

Russ Davis  

Other regional produce and foodservice distributors