Eggs may be on the Easter table at last year’s price

Héjja Csaba, strategic analyst of MBH Bank’s Agricultural and Food Industry Business, despite the fact that bird flu has been puts livestock farmers to the test, commercial egg production continues to be one of the most stable points of domestic and European livestock farming. At the beginning of last year, producer prices rose significantly, then recovered, but the profitability of the sector developed favorably. The expert said:

“The rise in wages and energy prices is now putting pressure on the sector, but the stagnation or slight decrease in feed prices can offset these effects. Therefore, although the current price level of 85-100 forints may creep up by 5-10 forints before the holidays, this year’s Easter season will see prices similar to last year.”

The expert also added that due to the armed conflict in the Middle East, foreign exchange rates have become volatile and there is a risk of a sudden jump in transport costs, which could also be reflected in the price of eggs.  

The European map is being rearranged 

An interesting process can be observed on the continent: the center of gravity of production is clearly shifting towards Eastern-Central Europe. While production in Germany has fallen by more than 35 percent in the past decade, Poland has become a veritable “egg superpower”, producing a 60 percent expansion between 2015 and 2025. Hungary has remained at a stable, but close to stagnant, level over this period: 8-8.5 million laying hens produce approximately 2.4-2.5 billion eggs per year. However, the market has since become clearer: more than 90 percent of the domestic stock is now concentrated in the hands of professional holdings with more than five thousand employees. 

Favourable outlook with risks 

The data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office show a slight decline in domestic egg consumption: In Hungary, in 2024, the annual egg consumption per capita was on average 224 pieces, which was 6-7 percent below the average consumption level of the previous five years. But despite the temporary downturn, the long-term prospects for the domestic egg production sector are positive.   

“The amino acid composition of eggs almost perfectly meets the needs of the human body, and – having successfully shed the prejudices that previously adhered to it – has now successfully integrated into health-conscious nutritional trends. All this ensures stable demand for the product. The decline in Western European stocks opens up further room for domestic expansion, especially if producers are able to maintain their current competitive positions, further investing in technological innovation and the use of deep-litter housing. transition”

– added Csaba Héjja.