“Egg crisis” has begun in EU

Wholesale egg prices in the European Union hit their highest in a decade as bird flu outbreaks continue to rock the industry worldwide

Prices have risen about 12% since the end of December, reaching 268.48 euros ($291.92) per 100 kilograms this month, the highest since at least 2012. Rising feed costs are exacerbating shortages caused by bird flu outbreaks.

The shortage of eggs, a cheap source of protein and a breakfast staple in many diets, is not limited to Europe. The United States is also struggling with soaring prices and is scrambling around the world for supplies after the worst bird flu outbreak on record killed millions of chickens.

The egg shortage in Europe comes at a time when consumers are looking for cheaper alternatives to meat protein, said Dineo Komane, an egg sector reporter at market intelligence firm Expana. In addition, the Netherlands, a leading egg exporter, has scaled back its livestock farming in recent years to reduce carbon emissions.

Still, the price hikes have not deterred European consumers, and “retail reports continue to show that demand for eggs is rising, reducing the volumes available for wholesale,” Komane added.

But with Easter approaching — a holiday associated with eggs and large family meals — global demand is expected to rise, further adding to supply shortages and pressure on prices.

“Historically, prices tend to rise in the run-up to Easter before stabilizing,” Komane said. “But this year, prices may not come down.”

Tags: EU, eggs