A federal jury in Illinois ordered $17.7 million in damages — an quantity tripled to greater than $53 million below federal regulation — to a number of meals manufacturing firms who had sued main egg producers over a conspiracy to limit the egg supply in the U.S.
The jury dominated final week that the egg producers used numerous means to restrict the home provide of eggs to extend the worth of merchandise through the 2000s. The timeframe of the conspiracy was a problem all through the case; jurors finally decided damages occurred between 2004 and 2008.
The damages verdict was reached Friday within the Northern District of Illinois. In line with federal antitrust regulation, the damages are routinely tripled, bringing the full to over $53 million. Courtroom paperwork on the decision weren’t available Friday night, however statements from the producers’ legal professional and one of many egg producers confirmed a complete of about $17.7 million.
“We are extremely grateful for the jury’s service and findings,” Brandon Fox, an legal professional representing the meals producers, stated in a press release. “This was an important case for many reasons, and the jury’s award recognizes its significance.”
Attorneys for the 4 egg suppliers named within the lawsuit didn’t instantly return telephone messages on Friday. Courtroom paperwork present the defendants have denied the claims.
The egg suppliers embody the household firm of its former Chair John Rust, who’s working for the U.S. Senate in Indiana. In a written assertion on the decision, Rust stated the jury’s determination “will be appealed.”
The jury discovered that the egg suppliers exported eggs overseas to cut back the general provide within the home market, in addition to restricted the variety of chickens by way of means together with cage house, early slaughter and flock discount, courtroom paperwork say.
Jurors had been particularly advised to not contemplate newer modifications in egg pricing throughout their deliberations.
Meals producers becoming a member of as plaintiffs within the lawsuit towards the egg producers are Kraft Meals International, Inc., The Kellogg Firm, General Mills, Inc. and Nestle USA, Inc. The jury discovered the egg suppliers who participated within the conspiracy had been Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., United Egg Producers, Inc., United States Egg Entrepreneurs, Inc. and Rose Acre Farms, Inc., a southern Indiana-based firm beforehand chaired by Rust.
Rose Acre Farms, which identifies itself because the second-largest egg producer within the U.S., disagreed with the jury’s verdict in a written assertion.
“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 assertion stated.
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. stated in a written assertion it has petitioned the courtroom to rule in its favor and can proceed to guage its choices, “including, if necessary, an appeal.”
“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 Cal-Maine Foods continues to believe that the Company did nothing wrong,” the assertion stated.
E-mail messages despatched to the United Egg Producers and United States Egg Entrepreneurs representatives weren’t instantly returned Friday.
In his assertion, Rust attacked his opponent U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, saying he has sided with “mega corporations over the American farmer” within the aftermath of the jury’s ruling.
“Voters can be certain that, if elected, Banks will bring his anti-agriculture and pro-mega corporation platform to the chamber,” Rust stated.
In response, Banks stated in a written assertion, “Hoosiers aren’t going to vote for a crook.”
Rust is presently suing Indiana’s Secretary of State over a contested state law that would stop his title from getting on the first poll as a Republican candidate. In line with the regulation, a candidate should vote in two primaries with the occasion they’re affiliated with or the county occasion chair should approve their candidacy. Rust has argued the regulation is unconstitutional and imprecise.
Rust faces an uphill battle for the GOP nomination: Banks has acquired the endorsement of the Indiana Republican Occasion and former President Donald Trump. The seat is presently held by Republican Mike Braun, who’s as a substitute running for governor subsequent yr.
