By 2000, ECI's volume grew to 4,874,398 cases. The trading of Checks, which was almost non-existent in 1997, increased as many members discovered an increased demand and better prices for Checks on the open market. Cartoned egg trading has increased six-fold since 1997.
Members realize increased savings by eliminating the loss incurred during repackaging.
Graded Loose trading has almost doubled in 4 years and will continue to grow with the addition of more in-line complexes. By separating Loose trading into two catagories dependent upon their intended use, buyers feel confident that purchasing Plant Grade Loose for regrading will not adversely affect the price of the Top Grade Loose intended for their institutional customers. The growth in Gradeable Nest Run trading, which declined slightly in 2000, can be partially attributed to the increase in the number of egg breakers with their own production. Their growth may also help to explain the decline in 2000 in ECI's Breaking Stock volume which had increased during the three year prior. Frozen egg product trading has fluctuated during the past four years due to availability of product and price.