Not in shell eggs and egg yolks market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for not in shell eggs and egg yolks in Southern Europe expanded, with volume growing from 466 thousand tonnes to 545 thousand tonnes. This growth was driven by significant investments in domestic production capacity, including the establishment of new egg product companies like DEROVO and RicaGranja, and the acquisition and expansion of the Ovolíder grading and packing facility. Government support measures, such as the extension of market aid through decrees in 2019, provided additional stability. The unexpected surge in demand from the egg processing industry during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further accelerated market growth.

The market contracted sharply in 2021 and 2022, falling to 408 thousand tonnes, primarily due to widespread outbreaks of avian influenza across Europe and associated supply chain disruptions. These factors constrained supply and led to significant price increases. Despite this downturn, consumer interest in specialized egg products remained strong, with new snack bar lines launched in 2021 and growing demand for pasteurized liquid egg products driven by health and convenience trends.

A partial recovery began in 2023, with market volume rising to 439 thousand tonnes. This was supported by temporary government interventions, such as Portugal's zero VAT rate on eggs to alleviate inflationary pressure, and sustained consumer preference for eggs from free-range systems and products with animal welfare certification. Looking ahead to 2024, the market continues to be shaped by stricter EU labeling and traceability regulations, along with a persistent consumer shift toward convenient, liquid pasteurized egg formats.

Production not in shell eggs and egg yolks in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, 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

Southern Europe's production of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 560 758 tonnes, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 5.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 41.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks production in Southern Europe declined. In 2020, output was valued at 1 170 million US dollars, reflecting a 3.7% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 28.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 215 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 33.5%.

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

Exports not in shell eggs and egg yolks from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks from Southern Europe have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 58 910 tonnes, representing a slight 2.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 29.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France (35.1% of exports in kind), the Netherlands (5.0%), and the United Kingdom (3.7%) were the largest buyers of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks from Southern Europe. Together, they accounted for 43.8% of total exports in kind, with the remainder distributed among numerous smaller partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks exports from Southern Europe declined. In 2020, exports totaled 122.9 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate 7.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 18.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 132.5 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 20.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms were spread across a wide range of partner countries. France (25.8% of exports in value terms), the United Kingdom (6.2%), and Germany (4.9%) together accounted for just 36.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports not in shell eggs and egg yolks to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Southern Europe imported 42 973 tonnes of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks, a 7.7% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 6.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 37 195 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 46 581 tonnes. The largest annual decrease occurred in 2018 at 19.4%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 25.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind were distributed across a broad set of partner countries. Poland (15.9% of imports in kind), France (12.5%), and the Netherlands (8.1%) together accounted for just 36.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Southern Europe's imports of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 104.7 million US dollars, constituting a sharp 13.3% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 17.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner portfolio for imports in value terms of not-in-shell eggs and egg yolks to Southern Europe was quite broad. France (16.2% of imports in value terms), Poland (15.4%), and the Netherlands (10.8%) together represented only 42.3% of total flows.

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

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