Not in shell eggs and egg yolks market in New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The New Zealand not in shell eggs and egg yolks market entered a period of significant change from 2018, initiated by announcements from major supermarket chains Countdown (Progressive Enterprises) and Foodstuffs to phase out cage and colony-caged eggs by 2025-2027. This retailer-led shift, driven by animal welfare standards, began reshaping production practices and consumer expectations, contributing to steady market growth. Volume expanded from 1 036 т in 2018 to 1 529 т in 2020, supported by rising imports as the industry adapted to new colony cage standards set to replace conventional cages by the end of 2022.

Rising grain and feed costs from 2021 increased production expenses, leading to price inflation and social pressure for higher welfare standards. The confirmed ban on colony-caged eggs by Foodstuffs and Woolworths by 2025, intensified by global factors like poor wheat harvests and supply chain disruptions, created significant supply challenges. These pressures culminated in a severe egg shortage in 2023, which was partly addressed by a surge in imports of dried egg powder to 1 174 т, helping drive the total market volume to a peak of 1 750 т that year despite a slight contraction in domestic output.

By 2024, supply shortages began to ease and egg prices started to descend, though the market remained influenced by the ongoing ban on colony cages and elevated feed costs. Import volumes adjusted downward from their 2023 peak while the structural transition to cage-free production continued. Retail prices for shell eggs showed a downward trend, contrasting with the stability of prices for liquid processed egg whites and yolks used in industrial applications, as the phase-out of colony cages remained a defining factor.

Production not in shell eggs and egg yolks in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of not in shell eggs and egg yolks, 2018-2021

World map of production of not in shell eggs and egg yolks, 2018-2021

In 2021, New Zealand produced 682.4 t of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks, showing no significant change from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 11.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports not in shell eggs and egg yolks from New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2019 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 3.5-fold difference between these years. In 2021, New Zealand exported 70.5 t of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks, marking a sharp increase of 106.0% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 34.2 t, while the maximum was in 2019 at 120.5 t. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 71.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Australia, Singapore, and New Caledonia stood out as the main markets for exports in kind, accounting for 46.2%, 23.4%, and 11.3% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 80.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, New Zealand exported 194 K $ US of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks, which is 49.3% higher than in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 39.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 130 K $ US, while the maximum was in 2019 at 350 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 62.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Australia, Singapore, and New Caledonia formed the core group of markets for exports in value terms, accounting for 48.3%, 25.4%, and 9.5% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 83.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports not in shell eggs and egg yolks to New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year advance, the volume of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks imports into New Zealand declined. In 2021, imports totalled 877.4 t, remaining broadly stable year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 66.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 880.9 t, and the largest increase occurred in 2020, at 45.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Italy and Australia remained the principal directions for imports in kind, jointly taking 80.6% of total flows, while other partners each accounted for significantly smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks deliveries to New Zealand increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 4 614 K $ US, equivalent to a small advance of 2.8% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 54.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over 2018 to 2021, Italy, Australia, and the United States made the biggest contribution to imports in value terms, accounting for 60.1%, 19.7%, and 5.4% of imports, respectively. Together, they accounted for 85.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021