WASHINGTON — Three major U.S. egg producers have agreed to settle allegations by federal and state authorities that they coordinated pricing practices that contributed to an increase in egg prices during a period of market disruption, according to court filings and statements from officials.
Under the proposed settlements announced this week, Cal-Maine Foods, Versova, and Hickman’s Egg Ranch will collectively donate about 53 million eggs to food banks and nonprofit organizations and pay $3.3 million to participating states. The agreements resolve civil claims brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and attorneys general from 17 states.
Authorities alleged that between June 2022 and March 2025, the companies coordinated bidding activity and pricing submissions tied to an industry benchmark published by Urner Barry Publications, which is widely used in wholesale egg pricing. Officials said the conduct contributed to higher prices for retailers and consumers during a period when egg prices surged amid supply constraints linked to avian influenza outbreaks.
The companies did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlements. Cal-Maine Foods and Versova have previously denied allegations of price manipulation, while Hickman’s Egg Ranch has said certain conduct cited in the investigation occurred prior to its acquisition by a separate parent company.
The Justice Department and participating state officials described the agreement as requiring the companies to adopt enhanced antitrust compliance measures, including restrictions on communications with competitors regarding pricing and bidding strategies. The settlements also call for oversight mechanisms intended to prevent future coordination in benchmark submissions.
Egg prices in the United States rose sharply during the period under investigation, reaching record highs in early 2025 before declining in 2026 as supply conditions improved and poultry flocks recovered from disease-related losses, according to industry data cited in court documents.
The proposed settlements remain subject to court approval. If approved, the donated eggs would be distributed to food banks across the 17 participating states, while monetary payments would be allocated to state governments involved in the case. No criminal charges were announced in connection with the agreements.
