
Coffee Industry - Coffee prices have reached record highs, with futures prices more than doubling over the past 12 months and surpassing $4 per pound for the first time last month [6] - A dry spell in Brazil has significantly impacted crop yields, contributing to the rising prices [6] - Coffee Labs Roasters signed a new purchase order at approximately $5 per bag, up from a previous deal of about $4 per bag [2] Egg Industry - The price of eggs in the U.S. has increased by 53% year over year, with a 15% spike from December to January [4] - The avian flu outbreak has led to the culling of millions of hens, exacerbating supply issues [5] - The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating potential antitrust practices in the egg industry [5] Consumer Behavior - Rising prices of coffee and eggs are causing consumers to change their purchasing habits, with many opting to skip breakfast or replace it with cheaper alternatives [9][10] - A survey indicated that consumer sentiment has turned negative for the first time since June 2024, with expectations of worsening inflation [7] Restaurant Industry - Dine Brands, the parent company of IHOP, has seen its stock decline over 13% this year, with a disappointing outlook for 2025 due to rising costs primarily driven by egg prices [11][12] - Waffle House and Denny's have implemented surcharges for menu items containing eggs, while McDonald's has not raised prices [13] - Restaurant stocks offering breakfast items have underperformed the market, with Denny's stock down over 55% and Cracker Barrel down 38% over the past year [14] Trade and Tariffs - Proposed tariffs on coffee could further increase prices, particularly for decaffeinated coffee that involves cross-border processing between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada [15][16] - There is uncertainty regarding the impact of these tariffs on decaf coffee, with industry experts seeking more clarity [17]