Welcome to the first edition of our Market Insights series, where we bring you timely updates and practical analysis across a range of food categories each month.
From pricing trends and current challenges to emerging opportunities for suppliers and buyers, each edition provides an insightful view of market conditions and future outlooks.
In our first edition, we are focusing on the UK shell eggs market.
Market overview
The UK shell egg market remains one of the most stable in Europe, with annual consumption exceeding 13.6 billion eggs with production of 11.9 billion eggs (including imports of about 2 billion eggs and exports of 408 million eggs in 2024). Despite periods of volatility, particularly in 2022–2023 due to feed cost raises, avian influenza outbreaks, and changes in consumer demand, 2024 marked a return to profitability for many producers. The average farm-gate price for eggs reached 144p per dozen, representing a 35.2% year-on-year increase in value.
Free-range eggs now dominate UK retail, making up over 75% of all supermarket egg sales. Demand continues to grow, particularly among younger and sustainability-conscious consumers. The key focus is on long-term connections, consistent growth and personal service.
Production Standards & Compliance
Egg production in the UK follows standards for both food safety and animal welfare. International certifications, such as the BRCGS, ensure product consistency and compliance with all UK and EU legislation. Eggs should be carefully graded and are clearly labelled to show farming method, best before date, and storage advice.
Both white and brown are accepted for trade with usual shelf life upon delivery ranging from 20 to 21 days. Packaging formats depend on the channel: retail tends to favor smaller consumer packs (such as 6-egg cartons), while catering and manufacturing customers typically prefer bulk packaging formats like 30-egg trays.
UK Shell Egg Market Segments
Segment | Share of market | Typical Egg Size | Key Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Retail | 61% | Medium/Large/Very Large | Class A, clear labelling |
Foodservice | 10% | Large/Very Large | Consistent quality, bulk supply |
Food Manufacturing | 20% | Medium/Large/Very Large | Bulk, sometimes processed |
Specialty/Organic | Small, growing | Large/Very Large | Organic/free-range premium |
Export | ~3% (by volume) | Large/Very Large | Class A, export compliance |
Opportunities and challenges
The UK egg sector faces ongoing challenges including fluctuating input costs and biosecurity risks, which continue to pressure producer margins and supply chain stability. Despite these challenges, market dynamics show gradual recovery and a steady demand for products like free-range and organic eggs, driven by consumer preferences for sustainability and animal welfare.
Supply-side opportunities lie in expanding production for cage-free and free-range systems, supported by evolving regulations and market demand.
On the buyer side, retail remains robust, while premium, organic, export, and foodservice segments offer growth potential through targeted promotions and packaging innovations.
Conclusion
The UK shell egg market is constantly expanding, fuelled by increasing consumer demand for free-range eggs and a growing focus on sustainability.
Retail remains the largest segment, but specialty organic and export markets offer expanding opportunities. Future growth will rely on maintaining product quality, meeting consumer demands, and strengthening supply chain resilience.
References:
UK Government. (2024). United Kingdom Egg Statistics Quarter 3 2024. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/historical-statistic-notices-on-uk-egg-production-and-prices-2024/united-kingdom-egg-statistics-quarter-3-2024
OEC. (2024). UK Egg Trade Profile. https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-product/eggs/reporter/gbr
We continue to press ahead and look forward to sharing more exciting updates and news in the months to come via our platform.
A place where every connection matters!