Multistate Coalition Secures 53 Million Eggs and $3.3 Million After Uncovering Egg Price Manipulation Scheme

A coalition of state attorneys general, led by Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, has reached a significant settlement with some of the nation’s largest egg producers, resulting in the recovery of over 53 million eggs and $3.3 million. This action stems from a bipartisan multistate investigation, conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice, which uncovered an unlawful scheme by Cal-Maine Foods, Versova/Centrum, and Hickman’s Egg Ranch to manipulate egg prices. The investigation revealed that these companies colluded for years to influence a daily price index, artificially inflating costs for consumers and businesses across the country.

The settlement ensures that over 2 million eggs will be distributed directly to food banks and community organizations serving Maryland residents. Additionally, the state of Maryland will receive over $120,000 as a result of the producers’ conduct. The investigation found that from approximately June 2022 to March 2025, the egg producers engaged in secret communications to coordinate their bidding activities. This coordination aimed to influence the daily egg price quotes published by Urner Barry, a widely recognized benchmark pricing service utilized in many egg supply contracts. Evidence suggests that company executives encouraged each other to submit higher bids to drive up prices, which in turn caused Urner Barry to increase its published quotes. This manipulation ultimately led to higher prices paid by retailers and, consequently, consumers nationwide.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cal-Maine Foods, Versova, and Hickman’s Egg Ranch are required to cease their price-manipulating activities. They must also implement compliance measures designed to prevent future violations and cooperate fully with state oversight. As part of these measures, the companies are mandated to appoint antitrust compliance officers who will monitor for and report any settlement violations to the states and the Department of Justice. The 53 million eggs to be donated will be provided at the companies’ expense and must meet all applicable food safety and regulatory standards before being distributed to food banks and nonprofit organizations in the participating states.

The multistate coalition that joined Attorney General Brown and the Department of Justice in securing this settlement includes the attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaiʻi, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin. For Maryland residents, this settlement represents a tangible benefit through the increased availability of eggs for those in need via local food banks and a financial recovery for the state.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.

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