Easter shopping more expensive than last year – eggs, butter and meat under scrutiny [World News]

Significant increase in egg prices could be even higher

The biggest increases are for key products, in particular eggs – an integral part of Easter dishes and decorations. According to the National Chamber of Poultry and Poultry Producers, in mid-March the price of cage-free class M eggs averaged PLN 73.34 per 100 pieces. Compared to the beginning of the month, the price of some egg classes has even increased by more than 10%, and by 13.6% compared to last year. The price of one egg in a shop exceeded PLN 1, and for an extruder of 10 eggs we have to pay PLN 11-20.

The reasons for egg price increases include production restrictions related to avian influenza, inflation and rising production costs: feed, energy and employment, as well as anticipated changes in legislation banning cage farming. Typically, egg prices also temporarily increase before Christmas. Already now, many shops are reporting increased demand, which may cause additional price increases. In April, egg prices are expected to be 10-15% higher than last year.

Eggs produced in Poland are mainly cage eggs and, although their production is higher than demand, 40% of these eggs are exported. Barn eggs or free-range eggs, on the other hand, are imported to Poland, mainly from the Netherlands and Romania, which further drives up prices. The US, which has recently been affected by avian influenza, is looking for new suppliers of eggs, but there are no promises that they will be exported from Poland. However, this does not mean problems in our country – there is still a shortage of non-cage eggs, avian flu has led to the liquidation of a large part of farms, and there has also been a decline in the number of laying hens by more than 12%, which, according to the National Chamber of Poultry and Feed Producers, was the result of erroneous market forecasts.

Other products also affected by the increases, in particular butter and meat

Butter is another product that scored a steep price rise. In January 2025, a cube of butter cost an average of £7.60, an increase of as much as 30% compared to January 2024. According to forecasts, the price could reach as much as PLN 12 per cube before Easter. The main reasons for this are an increase in the price of raw milk, electricity costs and packaging. In addition, some dairies have reduced butter production in favour of more profitable export products.

Other basic products have also become more expensive in shops: flour, oil and dairy products. Chicken breast meat now costs around 24 PLN per kilogram, up 15-20% more than a year ago. We are also seeing an increase in the price of white sausage, which is also an integral part of the holidays. In other cases, the price changes are small, but in terms of the whole basket, the difference is noticeable. Experts advise people to plan their Christmas shopping in advance, take advantage of promotions and compare prices in different shops. As a consolation, the price of products such as sugar and mayonnaise remains stable.