According to the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) Cape region, member establishments have put measures in place to ensure they are not affected by the egg shortage caused by the avian flu outbreak.

To-date around three million birds have already been affected by the H5N8 strain of bird flu, bringing with it an egg shortage. In the Western Cape, in particular, the price of eggs has increased substantially as a result of losing more than 60 per cent of layer hens.

The price of 18 eggs has jumped from R38.42 in September to R42.66 in October, and up to R50 in November.

Culling has been so widespread, early estimates project R800 million in immediate production losses to the poultry industry.

But FEDHASA Cape chairperson, Jeff Rosenberg says there is no need for alarm. He told www.bizcommunity.com while members are concerned about the outbreak, every endeavour has been taken to make sure establishments are not hard hit, and that the price of egg-containing dishes, like breakfasts and confectionary items, are not increased, especially as the province’s hospitality industry prepares for a bumper holiday season.

“As an industry, we are deeply concerned about this outbreak and the consequences thereof. However, we can assure everyone that we have measures in place to meet the needs of guests. And we continue to weigh our options for alternatives should this escalate further,” said Rosenberg.

He says establishments like the Townhouse Hotel and Events Centre in the CBD; the Vineyard Hotel in Claremont and the Roundhouse Restaurant in Camps Bay have each been affected differently but assures that each establishment is hard at work to make sure the egg supply meets the demand of guests.

The bizcommunity website looked at some of the Western Cape’s key establishments”

The Vineyard Hotel: “The egg shortage has particularly helped the establishment during its planning phase. And while the Vineyard Hotel uses more than 1,028 eggs per day, and sometimes 1,420 eggs per day on the weekend, its overall eggs order has not decreased since the outbreak.

The Roundhouse: Since the shortage hit the Western Cape, the Roundhouse has not included any new egg dishes to its menu, and the establishment continues to investigate the use of egg-free alternatives.

Townhouse Hotel and Events Centre: It has increased its order to keep-up with the demand. This establishment uses around 360 eggs a day but admits that it has been minimally affected.

“Cape Town’s restaurants and hotels are doing very well despite the shortage. And we’d like for them to use it as a platform to come up with new, fresh ideas on how to cook and bake. During times like these, innovation is important,” Rosenberg says.

RETURN TO INDUSTRY NEWS