Countdown has sent an email to customers giving them an update on the cage-free egg supply. Sent at 1pm on January 27th, it outlined the supermarket's 2017 decision to stop selling cage-free eggs, causes for the supply shortage and when they expect things to be back to normal.
“Despite best laid plans as we’ve worked to prepare for the phasing out of battery-caged eggs, supply is not where we, or our farmers, would like it to be. The current supply challenges are, in part, due to the mandated phase out of battery-caged eggs at the end of the 2022. But they’re also due to the significant disruptions our farmers have seen in the last couple of years.”
“Covid-19 caused considerable ups and downs in demand for eggs. The war in Ukraine has meant a massive spike in feed prices, and supply chain disruptions have made it challenging for our farmers to even source the building materials needed for new farming systems.”
“On behalf of myself, my team, and our egg farmers, we’d like to thank you for your understanding as we work through these challenges. We know animal welfare is a key concern for Kiwis, and we appreciate your support as we transition to new farming systems.”
The email was signed by Nikhil Sawant, General Manager of Countdown Perishables.
