Companies are given $17.8 million by the court in an egg price-fixing action.
“Cal-Maine Foods is disappointed with the verdict as Cal-Maine Foods continues to believe that the company did nothing wrong,” the statement from the company stated. “Cal-Maine Foods respects the jury’s decision and appreciates that the damages awarded by the jury are relatively modest compared to the damages sought.”
The case was first filed on December 12, 2011, prior to the merger of Kraft Foods and Heinz and the separation of Kellogg Co. into WK Kellogg Co. and Kellanova. The plaintiffs contended that the defendants conspired to manipulate supply in order to artificially maintain and raise the price of eggs. On November 20 of this year, a jury in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois rendered a decision in favor of the food businesses.
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Cal-Maine mentioned enhancing the care for laying hens, which began around 20 years ago when the sector adopted the United Egg Producers certified scheme. This policy was not intended to limit supply or have an impact on prices.
Cal-Maine stated, “The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants’ conduct increased the prices they paid for processed egg products.” However, the plaintiffs are still demanding that egg products be made from UEP-certified eggs and/or eggs from hens that are raised humanely in other ways.