Germans Break Record with Highest Egg Consumption Ever
Egg consumption in Germany has reached a new record, with the average annual per capita rising from 239 to 249 eggs, according to preliminary figures from the Federal Information Centre for Agriculture (BZL). Demand continues to grow faster than production.
The increase in egg consumption comes alongside higher prices. Consumers currently pay around €2.49 for a 10-pack of barn eggs, up from €2.02 last year. The rise is driven by supply shortages, production bottlenecks, and higher costs for wages, energy, and toll fees.
One major factor affecting supply is bird flu, which led to the culling of several hundred thousand hens in Germany last year. Rebuilding the flock is slow, and the shortage impacts catering and food processing industries most, as retailers receive priority deliveries.
Germany cannot fully meet its egg needs domestically. In 2024, self-sufficiency was just over 70 percent, with the Netherlands supplying 76 percent of imported shell eggs. Similar trends are seen in the USA, where bird flu outbreaks have caused massive culls and soaring prices, with a dozen eggs costing $4.15 in December 2024—a nearly 37 percent increase from the previous year.
Despite rising costs, eggs remain popular due to their affordability and versatility. Compared with meat, eggs are far cheaper, making them an increasingly attractive choice for German households, especially during Easter when demand spikes further for colored and boiled eggs.