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Egg-spensive Easter? Dye Kit Makers Scramble as Egg Shortage Threatens Sales
The price of eggs is cracking under pressure, leaving Easter egg dye kit makers worried about the upcoming holiday. With egg prices soaring to record highs due to a bird flu outbreak, some companies are seeing significantly smaller orders from retailers.
Ashley Phelps, CEO of Color Kitchen, a plant-based baking decoration company, anticipates lower sales this year. Color Kitchen’s Easter items typically outsell even their Christmas products, representing 20% of their total stock. Phelps expressed concern about potential chargebacks for unsold products already shipped to retailers.
Natural Earth Paint, known for its natural art supplies, usually sells 40,000-50,000 egg dye kits during the Easter season. This year, retailers have only ordered 7,000, a significant drop attributed to the egg shortage. Founder Leah Fanning called the situation a “huge drop,” noting that egg dye kits are the company’s bestseller.
The dwindling supply and high cost of eggs are causing consumers to reconsider their Easter traditions. Wholesale egg prices have reached a staggering $8.58 per dozen, with retail prices averaging $6 or more.
Ryan Hojnowski, a market reporter at Expana, points to the loss of over 52 million egg-laying birds due to the avian flu, leaving the national flock at a critically low 280 million. Purchasing limits at many stores further complicate matters.
Despite these challenges, some companies remain optimistic. Hey Buddy Hey Pal, maker of the Eggmazing Egg Decorator, expects an 18% increase in revenue this year, projecting sales of 600,000-700,000 units. Co-founder Curtis McGill acknowledges lower retail orders but remains confident in the enduring popularity of egg decorating.
Paas, a leading egg dye kit brand, also expects strong sales. A recent survey by parent company Signature Brands revealed that 94% of consumers still plan to decorate eggs this Easter.
CEO Joe Ens credits the tradition’s affordability and enduring appeal. Paas anticipates selling over 10 million kits this year.
Interestingly, retailers like Michaels are seeing a surge in sales of alternative egg-decorating products, such as plaster, plastic, and craft eggs. One particular craft egg kit is flying off the shelves, selling nearly three times faster than anticipated.
This trend suggests families are finding creative ways to keep the Easter spirit alive despite the egg shortage. Some, like Hey Buddy Hey Pal, suggest families may even opt for wooden eggs, offering a longer-lasting keepsake.
While the future of the egg market remains uncertain, the tradition of Easter egg decorating appears to be here to stay.