In the past year, the price of a dozen eggs in Honolulu rose by more than 10% from $9.04 to more than $10, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Market Analysis and News Branch.
During that same period, a dozen eggs imported from the continental U.S. rose less than 10 cents from $7.78 to $7.87. That’s an increase of slightly more than 1%.
The average retail price for local organic eggs increased by more than 17% from a year ago from $11.26 to $13.19 a dozen. In that same period, U.S. imported organic egg prices jumped nearly 25% from $8.29 to $10.26 a dozen.
In contrast, the price of 18-count cartons for both locally produced and imported eggs declined.
Data was collected between April 1 and June 30. The full report can be found here.
While prices are on the rise, supporting local farmers is essential for local production to continue, said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture.
“If you want the best, buy local,” she said. “The money you spend on eggs stays in the islands, pays workers, generates taxes and supports local food production.”
