- Egg prices are as high as 11 zł per dozen.
- Bird flu and a decline in the chicken population have limited supply.
- Feed and energy costs are rising, and new regulatory burdens are being imposed.
Until recently, eggs were a staple in nearly every kitchen—always available and affordable. Today, they’re becoming a commodity whose prices are reaching unprecedented levels. In some stores, a dozen eggs can cost as much as 11 zł. What’s behind this dramatic increase, and what does it mean for consumers?
Reasons for the Price Increase
It all started with problems that poultry farmers know all too well. In the fall of 2024, the industry was hit by avian flu—deadly to laying hens and devastating to the market. In an instant, millions of birds were culled, and the supply of eggs plummeted. But that was only the beginning. The number of young hens entering the market has fallen to its lowest level in eight years. There’s a labor shortage, feed and energy costs are skyrocketing, and producers are barely keeping up with covering their losses.
“The current egg price crisis is driven not only by epidemics but also by rising animal feed costs, which are critical for laying hen production. Imported feed ingredients, such as lysine, choline chloride, and valine, have become more expensive due to the European Union’s planned anti-dumping tariffs on products from China. This measure is intended to protect European producers from unfair competition, but at the same time it raises the costs of egg production,” explains Akif Rustamov, Director of Business Development at Foodcom S.A.
Market Changes
In addition, more and more producers are deciding to change their strategies in the face of market volatility. “Companies are beginning to shift away from liquid egg products, such as liquid egg whites or yolks, in favor of powdered products. Powders are easier to store, less prone to spoilage, and have a longer shelf life, which allows for better risk management,” — explains Akif Rustamov. This trend is becoming increasingly common because it reduces losses associated with the short shelf life of liquid products and the high costs of transporting them.
New Regulations and Sustainability
To make matters worse, new challenges continue to emerge in the market. In November 2024, the European Union introduced new regulations regarding egg labeling, which—while increasing transparency—entail additional costs for producers. At the same time, growing consumer demands regarding the quality and origin of eggs are forcing producers to invest in more sustainable production. Regulations covering labeling and hen-rearing conditions impose additional burdens, particularly on free-range and organic egg producers. Although such eggs are growing in popularity, their production involves higher costs, which limits their availability to the average consumer.
Prospects for Stabilization
There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. “The upcoming Chinese New Year, which is associated with lower demand for imported egg products, may help European producers stabilize the market. Restricting exports to China—which was the third-largest importer of eggs in 2023—will ease price pressure in Europe and allow time to rebuild laying flocks. Nevertheless, a return to the former balance will require time and significant investment. “Although chickens are the fastest-growing livestock, they need adequate resources and conditions to reach their previous production levels,” notes Akif Rustamov, Director of Business Development at Foodcom S.A.
Will eggs return to their former role as a cheap and common product? Experts are unsure. Farmers are doing everything they can to rebuild their flocks and avoid further outbreaks, but this is a long-term process. Meanwhile, prices remain high, and consumers are forced to accept this new reality.
Is this just a temporary crisis, or a sign of bigger changes in the food market? The answer to that question lies ahead.
