Not in shell eggs and egg yolks market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The European not in shell eggs and egg yolks market saw its volume rise to 1 364 thousand tonnes in 2019, supported by a progressive consumer shift towards eggs from alternative farming systems such as organic, free-range, and cage-free. Industry commitments to finance this transition and efforts to improve animal welfare contributed to structural changes in production during the initial period.

Following a contraction to 1 197 thousand tonnes in 2020, market volume recovered to 1 305 thousand tonnes in 2021 before declining to 1 089 thousand tonnes by 2023. This decrease was largely driven by outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, which led to massive culling of laying hens and reduced supply. Concurrently, inflationary pressures and diminished purchasing power boosted egg consumption as an affordable protein source, adding demand-side tension despite the supply shortfall.

In 2024, the European Union implemented updated egg labeling regulations requiring clear indication of the 'best before' date and refrigeration storage advice. The industry continued its move towards free-range and organic production systems, with ambitious plans to expand capacity to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Production not in shell eggs and egg yolks in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of not in shell eggs and egg yolks, 2017-2020

World map of production of not in shell eggs and egg yolks, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, production of not in shell eggs and egg yolks in Europe declined. In 2020, Europe produced 1 302.3 K t, representing a 1.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 16.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 325.7 K t, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 10.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output value of not in shell eggs and egg yolks in Europe reached 59 017 M $ US, marking a 19.6% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 29.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 9.0%. The most significant decline was observed in 2019, with a drop of 5.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports not in shell eggs and egg yolks from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of decline, Europe's exports of not in shell eggs and egg yolks increased. In 2020, exports reached 277.8 K t, up by 52.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 8.2%, corresponding to an annualized decline of 2.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 182.3 K t, with the largest annual decrease occurring in 2018 at 38.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland was the leading partner for exports in kind, accounting for 2.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Not in shell eggs and egg yolks shipments from Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value was recorded at 814.3 M $ US, showing a moderate decline of 6.1% from the previous year. The highest value was achieved in 2018 at 929.6 M $ US. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 6.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 13.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, Switzerland was the main outlet for not in shell eggs and egg yolks from Europe, absorbing 2.7% of total exports in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Europe in value, 2017-2020

Imports not in shell eggs and egg yolks to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Not in shell eggs and egg yolks imports into Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 172.5 K t, marking a significant reduction of 21.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 27.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 10.2%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 244.7 K t, with the largest annual increase also occurring in 2018 at 2.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Europe, not elsewhere specified, was the primary market for imports in kind of not in shell eggs and egg yolks to Europe, with a share of 0.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Not in shell eggs and egg yolks imports into Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 767.4 M $ US, down by 3.6% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 4.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.5%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 891.1 M $ US. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 10.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 11.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (1.0% of imports in value terms), India (0.6% of imports in value terms), and Argentina (0.6% of imports in value terms) led the ranking of suppliers of not in shell eggs and egg yolks to Europe, with their combined share reaching 2.2% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Europe in value, 2017-2020