Price decline on the egg market starts later than last year

The egg price has taken a significant step back. The NOP quotation fell by 31 cents last week to €19,31. The reduction is substantial even for the week before Easter, but given the high price level, it is not surprising. In week 15, the egg price was 11,9% above last year's level, and even then, the egg price was already at a record level. 

Although the peak associated with Easter demand has passed, the market is still far from balanced. The market for table eggs has been very tight in recent weeks. Due to the structurally higher demand for eggs, it was difficult to absorb the peaks in demand around Easter this year. This was also reflected in supermarkets. Just before Easter, it was not unusual for affordable egg types in particular (such as the well-known white free-range eggs in transparent plastic packaging) to often be sold out.

Although actual shortages did not materialize, consumers were no longer always able to choose their preferred type of eggs. This severe tightness has only led to increased pressure on the supply chains. These chains were already significantly disrupted last year, partly due to bird flu and shortages of hatching eggs. As a result, it is expected that prices will remain at a fairly high level, despite the seasonal decline currently anticipated.

Prices fall sooner
This shortage is also reflected in the trend of the NOP quotation. Although Easter fell earlier than a year ago, the decline following the preparations started considerably later. Last year, buyers on the egg market appeared to be buying early due to the high prices, causing the market to reach its peak well before Easter. This was not possible this year because the shortage was significantly greater. In addition, a recovery was needed after the peak demand around Easter to ensure that the worst shortages have been addressed to some extent.