Eggs: here’s why consumption, prices and imports are all on the rise

“The latest Circana figures (January–April 2026) show an 8.7% increase in consumption within the large-scale retail sector – he adds – despite an average price increase of 8.4% compared to the same period last year, but this amounts to three cents more per egg for the consumer; figures that also put recent price-related alarmism into perspective».

Last year – according to Ismea – eggs were the best-performing product of the year, recording the highest percentage increase in both value (+15%) and volume. The quantities purchased in modern retail outlets grew by 7.4% compared to 2024, driven by free-range eggs, which now account for over 70% of the total on the shelves.

Most of the production is sold as fresh produce (around 60%), whilst the remainder is processed into egg products for the food industry (egg pasta, confectionery, sauces, catering, and canteens). We are the country that allocates the largest share of production to this segment. Produced using techniques that allow the egg white to be concentrated by removing over 70% of the water, making them more suitable for transport and with a longer shelf life, these products are exported to 90 countries. The potential has, of course, also been recognised by large-scale retailers, as evidenced by the growth in the product range (+40 per cent).

Italia is Europe’s fourth-largest egg producer, with over 12.5 billion eggs, equivalent to approximately 789,000 tonnes (produced by over 43 million laying hens), representing a business worth around two billion.

In general, for the egg sector, the rise in domestic demand (consumption rose to 230 eggs per capita per year, including both fresh and processed eggs) and production declines due to avian influenza have necessitated higher import volumes (+80%), which have reduced the self-sufficiency rate from 98% to 92%.

According to Istat data, between January and December 2025, over 91,000 tonnes of shelled eggs are estimated to have arrived in Italia, mainly from Romania and Poland, which together account for almost 50% of the total, followed by Ukraine (12%).

“Even the transition from the traditional (cage) system to the alternative free-range system, which we are implementing to improve animal welfare, increases costs and reduces the number of birds,” explains Moretti. Furthermore, it is very difficult to obtain permits for new farms, because we need to limit the potential risk of avian influenza spreading, which is now a normal part of our world.” The EU is a major producer of eggs, with over 360 million laying hens producing around 6.9 million tonnes per year. In 2025, production stood at around 6.63 million tonnes (+2.6% on 2024).

The World Egg Organisation (WEO) still expects global imbalances, given that growth prospects in Europe are very modest and demand continues to drive the market. The US egg crisis last year, which prompted President Trump to request supplies (never granted) from Italia as well, raises a question: are we at risk of stock shortages? “At European level, there is tension in the market, because some of the countries hardest hit by avian influenza have seen production fall dramatically,” explains Moretti, who also chairs the EEPA (European Egg Processors Association), the organisation representing egg processors across the EU-27. “In Italia, we are confident that the situation will stabilise: we have reorganised ourselves to better meet demand,” he concludes.