TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A breakfast staple and key ingredient in the baking industry has become increasingly expensive over the past year.
Eggs are an essential part of a bakery’s daily operations, and their rising costs are making it difficult for owners to stay open.
“We know it’s not just us that’s being affected, it’s our community,” said Christina Alvarado, owner of Get Baked by Christina.
Alvarado’s bakery receives more than 100 eggs each week. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, egg prices have increased 28% compared to last year.
“It went from $9 to $18, almost double the price,” Christina said.
In addition to rising prices, small business owners across the country must face the harsh effects of inflation.
“I feel like we’re feeling it even more because of the current economic situation,” Christina said. “That’s why I mention small businesses being affected by all these prices.”
Economists blame the rise in prices on the rise in the number of bird flu cases.
“It’s a very deadly disease for chickens,” said Texas A&M economist David Anderson.
This disease is said to have reduced the number of hens that can produce eggs, reducing the egg supply.
“One of the things that’s happening is that egg production is actually down 3.2%,” Anderson said. “We are trying to replace those chickens, but it takes time to produce new chickens.”
Even though major companies have raised the prices of their products to combat inflation, and many other small local businesses have followed suit, Christina says she has no intention of raising prices.
“I don’t think we’ve increased the price at this point because I don’t think it’s fair,” Christina said.
Instead, she’s finding ways to jump on the trend and make her bakery more visible to people in East Texas.
“When you run a small business, you put your heart and soul into what you do,” says Christina. “I want to teach children that it is possible to achieve your dreams.”
Prices are expected to fall, but not rise due to holiday demand.
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