Egg companies made $1.22B in profit off $6 carton

5 hours ago

U.S. Justice Department and 17 states settled with three major egg producers (Cal-Maine Foods, Versova, Hickman’s Egg Ranch) over allegations of illegal collusion to raise egg prices from June 2022 to March 2025.
Companies accused of coordinating bids to Urner Barry Publications to artificially inflate price quotations, leading to higher consumer costs; no admission of wrongdoing in settlements.
Settlements require $3.3 million in payments and donation of 53 million eggs to food banks, plus antitrust compliance programs and bans on price communications with competitors, pending court approval.
Egg prices hit record highs in March 2025 due to bird flu; Justice Department notes prices dropped after investigation began, with consumer prices falling below $2.20 per dozen by May 2026.
Companies defended actions citing market challenges like bird flu and COVID-19; advocacy groups criticize settlements as insufficient accountability amid high profits (e.g., Cal-Maine’s $1.22 billion profit in 2025).
Settlement involves 17 states including New York, Arizona, and California; contributions: Cal-Maine ($1.5M, 30M eggs), Versova ($800K, 20M eggs), Hickman’s ($1M, 3.25M eggs).

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