In response to ongoing challenges in the egg supply chain, McDonald’s Australia has announced changes to its breakfast serving times, effective immediately. The fast-food giant will now conclude breakfast service at 10:30 AM nationwide, two and a half hours earlier than usual.
The decision comes amidst concerns over avian influenza outbreaks affecting egg production in Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory. McDonald’s spokesperson acknowledged the industry-wide supply challenges, emphasizing the company’s collaboration with Australian farmers, producers, and suppliers to manage the situation.
“We’re carefully managing egg supply due to current industry challenges,” the spokesperson stated. “Our priority is to work closely with our network to ensure a steady supply for our customers.”
Fred Harrison, CEO of Ritchies IGA, noted that despite disruptions affecting nearly 10% of Australia’s egg-laying hens, overall supply remains stable. However, increased retail demand has led to anticipations of price increases in the coming weeks.
“We’re seeing a surge in demand, which could drive up egg prices by 10-20%,” Harrison explained. “Some suppliers have already started passing on price increases of four to five percent.”
In response to the supply chain disruptions, major supermarkets Coles and Woolworths have implemented purchasing limits of two cartons of eggs per person across southeastern Australia. Woolworths attributed delays to the temporary closure of an egg supplier’s packing shed in NSW, ACT, and Victoria, with expectations of recovery by the end of the week as operations resume at alternative sites.
Meanwhile, IGA has not imposed purchasing restrictions but has granted store managers discretion to enforce limits if necessary to prevent panic buying.
“We’re advising consumers not to engage in panic buying,” Harrison emphasized. “Store managers have the authority to implement limits if they foresee potential stocking issues, although it’s being monitored closely.”
Despite the challenges, egg producers remain confident in the supply chain’s resilience. Joel Owin, owner of White Swan Eggs farm outside Agriculture Victoria’s restricted zone, reported an uptick in demand following the initial outbreak but expressed confidence in managing production amid seasonal factors.
“With the winter conditions affecting production, we’re maintaining a steady supply,” Owin noted. “While there’s been an increase in demand, our focus remains on ensuring the health and safety of our chooks and sustaining production levels.”
As McDonald’s and the broader industry navigate these supply challenges, stakeholders continue to monitor developments closely, aiming to minimize disruptions and ensure consistent supply for consumers across Australia.