23.07.2025

Source: European Commission (EC)

In 2024, the total laying hen population in the EU reached approximately 393 million birds. Farming methods by share: Enriched cages: 38.0%, Barn (indoor floor systems): 39.5%, Free-range: 15.8%, Organic: 6.7%. Top producing countries (by volume in 2024): France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands together accounted for roughly 75% of EU egg production (total: 6.66 million tonnes including consumption and hatching eggs).
Egg Prices in the European Union: As of early 2025, the average price of Class A eggs at EU packing stations was €254.39 per 100 kg. This represents a 30.4% increase compared to the 2020–2024 average. While prices are still elevated, a slight week-on-week and month-on-month decrease has been recorded. Prices by Farming System (€/100 kg): Enriched cage: ~€254, Barn: ~€290, Free-range: ~€350, Organic: ~€470–500. International Price Comparison (€/100 kg): European Union: €254.39, United States: €128.35, Brazil: €88.04.
EU Exports (Jan–Mar 2025 vs. Jan–Mar 2024): Total egg exports increased by 5.4%, reaching 97,557 tonnes (egg equivalent). Notable growth in exports to: United Kingdom (+13.3%), Israel (+38.1%), Australia (+164.6%).
EU Imports (Jan–Mar 2025 vs. Jan–Mar 2024): Imports surged by 52.1%, totaling 39,630 tonnes. Major sources: Ukraine: +81.4%, North Macedonia: +118.9%, Argentina, China: notable increases as well.
EU egg prices remain significantly higher than global averages, driven by stricter animal welfare standards, shifts toward non-cage systems, and regulatory costs. The market continues to shift away from cage systems, which is likely to maintain upward pressure on prices in the coming years.