BUSINESS

Major Egg Producers Settle Over Alleged Price Manipulation

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Baltimore — On Tuesday the U.S. Department of Justice, joined by 17 state attorneys general, announced settlements and a lawsuit alleging that Cal‑Maine Foods, Versova/Centrum, and Hickman's Egg Ranch coordinated bidding from June 2022 through March 2025 to influence Urner Barry price quotes, prompting combined settlements that include donations of eggs and monetary payments. States and communities will receive more than 53 million eggs and a combined $3.3 million in settlement funds, including Maryland’s allotment of over two million eggs and roughly $120,000; Texas will receive over seven million eggs while Hickman's agreed to a $1 million fine and to donate about 3.25 million eggs, and companies must adopt compliance safeguards.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

June 2022: Alleged coordinated bidding among egg producers begins according to investigators.
2024: Hickman's Egg Ranch is reported acquired by MTQ USA (acquisition noted as prior-year).
March 2025: Investigative period cited by prosecutors concludes.
This week (Tuesday): DOJ and 17 state attorneys general announce lawsuits and settlements.
States receive allocated egg donations and companies agree to payments and compliance requirements.

Why This Matters to You

This settlement affects your wallet. Egg prices may have been artificially high due to alleged price manipulation. You could see some relief at the checkout line as companies are now required to adopt compliance safeguards.

The Bottom Line

Three major egg producers have been held accountable for alleged price manipulation. They're paying up in eggs and dollars, with states receiving over 53 million eggs and $3.3 million. Worth forwarding if you know someone who loves a good omelette.