“Suspension of egg menu” expands to 30% of major restaurant chains, as procurement difficulties worsen due to the soaring cost of eggs, urgent measures are being taken such as providing alternative products.”
According to a survey by Teikoku Databank, the suspension or temporary discontinuation of the “egg menu” has expanded to 30% of the major 100 listed restaurant chains. The survey focused on the staple menus of each company, excluding seasonal limited-time menus. The survey period was as of April 5th, 2023. In addition, the worsening of procurement difficulties due to the soaring cost of eggs has prompted urgent measures, such as providing alternative products.
By TDB
The impact of the so-called “egg shock,” such as the shortage and price hike of eggs due to the spread of avian influenza, is expanding in the restaurant industry. At least 28 out of the significant 100 listed restaurant chains have suspended or announced the temporary discontinuation of egg menus since the beginning of 2023 as of April 5th. In addition, ten more companies have been added compared to the previous month, and the menus affected are expanding to include Chinese cuisine, pancakes, and chawanmushi. All cases cited “serious egg shortages” and “price increases” as the main reasons on storefronts, websites, and social media. Additionally, two companies that may discontinue egg menus in the future have been identified, even though they are not currently suspending them.
Each company is urgently responding to the shortage of eggs by importing processed eggs or developing alternative menus. Still, the impact of the decreased egg supply on inventory levels is beginning to show. Furthermore, according to JA Zennoh Tamago, the wholesale price of 1 kg of eggs (Tokyo M size) has reached 350 yen, the highest ever recorded, and the price hike is becoming more severe. Therefore, there is a possibility that the trend of canceling egg menus will spread further.
