Packing Digest recently documented reduction in size of product containers effectively raising prices by delivering smaller quantities.  Examples include Heinz Ketchup, Quaker Oats, Sachet Packs, Koko Yoghurt, Q-tips, Kellogg’s Zesta Crackers, Kleenex Tissues and Honey Smacks among others.

Fortunately, hens are not aware of the practice and continue to lay the same range of sizes depending on their age.  Primary breeders have included case weight in index selection programs to ensure that producers have an appropriate range of sizes along with other genetic traits including early peak production, persistence and optimal feed conversion efficiency. Perhaps the only application of shrinkflation possible in the egg industry would be introduction of 10-egg packs as the standard in Europe. The trend in the U.S in contrast, has been to larger sales units ranging from 12 to 24-egg packs and combinations of 30-egg trays.