Egg wholesalers occasionally sell eggs for retail sale. The picture shows a sales base in Xihu Town.

(Photo by reporter Yan Hongjun)

[Reporter Yan Hongjun/Changhua Report] Since the beginning of this year, there have been frequent reports of egg shortages throughout Taiwan, but the people of Changhua County seem to live in a parallel time and space where there is no shortage of eggs, because Changhua is the largest egg-producing county in Taiwan, accounting for half of the country's egg production , laying hen farms are located all over the county. Because they are close to the production area, there are many "informal" egg sales channels in the market. Netizens laugh at themselves, "This is the happiness of Changhua people's eggs."

According to the statistics of the county government, there are more than 800 laying hen farms in Changhua County, with a breeding capacity of about 20 million chickens. It is known as "the county that lays the most eggs."

One out of every two eggs in Taiwan comes from Changhua County. Almost all 26 townships and cities in the county have laying hen farms of different sizes, but they are mainly concentrated in Fangyuan, Erlin, Zhutang, Pitou and other townships in southern Changhua. There are more than 100,000 eggs for the big ones, and more than 10,000 eggs for the small ones. Due to the concentration of production areas, eggs are easier to obtain. Thanks to the help of the Internet and contacts, there are many eggs in Changhua County, and the county residents naturally have less shortage of eggs.

These alternative "egg sales channels" are the first to promote egg dealers in various townships. These egg dealers cooperate with egg farms and mainly supply bakeries and breakfast shops. Will meet the requirements of retail customers, the average price is about 70 yuan per catty.

The Internet has also become a channel for selling eggs. Many online group buying bases in the county will also buy eggs in groups. The boss of the base collects a certain amount from netizens, and obtains eggs through network channels or directly from laying hen farms. Usually a box of 20 catties (approx. 200 pieces) about 1300 to 1500 yuan.

In addition, some small egg farms use Facebook and LINE communities to directly sell their own eggs. They post the egg sales information to the Internet, and then make an appointment with netizens to deliver eggs at a fixed place. Without the egg merchant intermediary, the egg farmers will gain more Profit increases.

In addition, "connections" have become a shortcut to obtain eggs. Generally, as long as the store is familiar with the nearby egg farmers or merchants, eggs can be obtained nearby. Therefore, many fruit shops, lottery shops, and betel nut stalls have also sold eggs recently, but because of "quantity Limited", they are all sold to familiar customers.

The combination of personal connections and Facebook and LINE communities allows Changhua people to have more channels for buying eggs. No wonder some netizens say that "Changhua people live in a parallel time and space where there is no shortage of eggs."

Chiu Shih-chung, chairman of the Taiwan Fine Egg Products Association, said that "lack of eggs" is often caused by psychological fear. Because Changhua County is close to the production area and the shelves are replenished quickly, consumers "do not grab eggs" and psychologically restrain the urge to buy eggs. It is also one of the reasons why "Changhua people don't worry about eggs", but he also reminds consumers that some cheap eggs in bulk on the market have not been washed or have egg trays. Although the industry can save costs, the hygienic safety of eggs is greatly compromised. , This is also what consumers should consider when purchasing.

Egg wholesalers occasionally sell retail.

(Photo by reporter Yan Hongjun)

"The Happiness of Eggs" is hidden under the fruit (the red circle), and the fruit seller also sells eggs to regular customers.

(Photo by reporter Yan Hongjun)