Chicken and eggs are getting more expensive: another wave of price increases hits Hungarian households

According to the latest report from the Agricultural Economics Institute (AKI), Hungary saw notable price hikes in the first quarter of 2025:

• Live broiler chicken prices rose by 5.4% to 435.1 HUF/kg.

• Boneless chicken breast increased by 12.6% to 1,929 HUF/kg.

• Bone-in breast saw a 14.5% rise, now costing 1,240 HUF/kg.

• The price of eggs from caged hens jumped 22.2% to 67.12 HUF/piece, while barn eggs rose 19.2% to 75.39 HUF/piece.

Several factors are driving the surge: higher feed and energy costs, inflation, and shifts in global supply and demand. Despite decreased poultry slaughter volumes overall (-5%), broiler processing increased by 7%, suggesting stable domestic demand.

Meanwhile, Hungary’s poultry exports dropped by 5.5%, and imports fell 20% in early 2025, reflecting regional trade adjustments. Globally, the EU’s poultry exports rose by 9% in January, while the U.S. projects rising chicken production but falling turkey output and exports.

With poultry and eggs being dietary staples in Hungary, continued price increases could disproportionately affect lower-income households. Further developments in global feed prices and trade flows will be key to future stability.