Germany may soon face egg shortages, following similar issues in the United States, according to Hans-Peter Goldnik, President of the German Federal Union of Egg Producers. Goldnik explained that “supply and demand in the market are already mismatched” in the country.
The primary cause of the shortage is the ongoing avian influenza epidemic, which has led to the mass culling of laying hens in Germany, Italy, and the US. Restoring the poultry population takes around seven to eight months, making it unlikely that the situation will improve quickly.
Additionally, the poultry market is facing challenges due to a decline in the number of poultry farms in the Netherlands, a result of stricter environmental regulations. Germany is already unable to meet its egg consumption needs: in 2023, 27% of the eggs consumed in the country were imported.
The shortage is further worsened by rising demand. In 2024, egg consumption in Germany increased by eight eggs per person, reaching an average of 244 eggs annually per individual. This has led to a supply shortage, according to Goldnik.
While wholesale prices are rising, German consumers will likely feel the impact of higher egg prices in the fall, when new contracts are signed between producers and retailers. Experts are advising people to purchase eggs ahead of Easter, as disruptions in supply may affect stores in the days leading up to the holiday.
