The jury ruled last week that the egg producers used various means to limit the domestic supply of eggs to increase the price of products during the 2000s. The time frame of the conspiracy was an issue throughout the case; jurors ultimately determined damages occurred between 2004 and 2008.
The damages verdict was reached Friday in the
“We are extremely grateful for the jury’s service and findings,”
Attorneys for the four egg suppliers named in the lawsuit did not immediately return phone messages on Friday. Court documents show the defendants have denied the claims.
The egg suppliers include the family company of its former Chair
The jury found that the egg suppliers exported eggs abroad to reduce the overall supply in the domestic market, as well as limited the number of chickens through means including cage space, early slaughter and flock reduction, court documents say.
Jurors were specifically told not to consider more recent changes in egg pricing during their deliberations.
Food manufacturers joining as plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the egg producers are
“Rose Acre has and continues to steadfastly deny being part of any anticompetitive egg price-fixing conspiracy, and we will continue to explore and consider all legal options, including post-trial relief and appeal,” the statement said.
“Cal-Maine Foods respects the jury’s decision and appreciates that the damages awarded by the jury are relatively modest compared to the damages sought but remains disappointed with the verdict as
Email messages sent to the United Egg Producers and United States Egg Marketers representatives were not immediately returned Friday.
In his statement, Rust attacked his opponent
“Voters can be certain that, if elected, Banks will bring his anti-agriculture and pro-mega corporation platform to the chamber,” Rust said.
In response, Banks said in a written statement, "Hoosiers aren’t going to vote for a crook.”
Rust is currently suing Indiana’s Secretary of State over a contested state law that could prevent his name from getting on the primary ballot as a Republican candidate. According to the law, a candidate must vote in two primaries with the party they are affiliated with or the county party chair must approve their candidacy. Rust has argued the law is unconstitutional and vague.
Rust faces an uphill battle for the
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