Record Egg Consumption in Austria Amid Supply Shortages

In 2024, Austrian households reached a historic high in egg purchases, surpassing even the sales peaks witnessed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data from AMA Marketing. However, the supply of eggs is currently strained due to the lingering effects of avian influenza in Europe and the approaching Easter holiday, leading to shortages in supermarkets, particularly of organic eggs later in the day.

On average, each household in Austria purchased approximately 230 eggs in 2024. This increase in consumption has been attributed to a 7.4% rise in the volume of eggs sold in the grocery sector, with a corresponding value increase of 9.5%. The RollAMA market analysis reports that 49.7% of egg purchases were from caged systems, 37.6% from free-range farms, and 12.7% from organic sources.

The ongoing avian flu crisis has necessitated the culling of millions of laying hens across the European Union, including around 200,000 in Austria alone, out of a total of 7.3 million. The poultry industry has stated that significant losses in other countries are indirectly affecting the availability of eggs in Austria.

Heinz Schlögl, Vice President of the Austrian Poultry Industry, noted that while domestic production is back to full capacity, certain types of eggs are still unavailable in retail outlets. Many hospitality businesses, which previously relied on cheaper foreign eggs, are now finding it challenging to import eggs due to limited availability and high prices abroad. As a result, these establishments are increasingly sourcing eggs from local retailers.

In the United States, the situation is even more severe, with egg prices soaring above one dollar in some states due to the avian flu. The U.S. has been actively searching for egg supplies globally, prompting inquiries from the U.S. Embassy to the Austrian poultry association regarding possible exports. However, the Austrian industry has confirmed there are no opportunities for exports to the U.S. at this time.

Challenges in the Austrian poultry sector are compounded by the rising costs associated with building new facilities, which deter new entrants into the market. The sector has expressed concerns about the lack of recognition for its commitment to transparency, animal welfare, and environmental protection.

As the Easter season approaches, the Austrian poultry industry encourages consumers to look for the red-white-red AMA quality seal when purchasing colored Easter eggs. Additionally, the Agricultural Chamber is promoting regional purchases, highlighting that a variety of local produce, including salads, radishes, cucumbers, herbs, and asparagus, will be available due to the later timing of Easter this year.