In fresh months, the German food marketplace has faced a serious shortage of eggs. This situation has led any trading networks to impose restrictions on the sales of this product, which is worrying for both consumers and producers. For Polish exporters of eggs, however, this may constitute an chance to increase the presence on the German market.
Causes of egg deficiency in Germany
The main reason for the egg deficit in Germany is the outbreak of avian influenza, which has affected many poultry farms. According to February 2025, the number of cases of avian influenza in Germany has increased significantly, leading to mass slaughter of infected flocks. The recovery process is time-consuming and may take 7 to 8 months, which further complicates the marketplace situation.
In addition, changing consumer preferences affect the production structure. An expanding number of breeders decide to rear white hens that lay white eggs, giving up conventional brown eggs. This change responds to increasing marketplace demand, but this process requires time and investment, which may temporarily restrict the availability of eggs in stores.
Introduction of sales limits
In the face of egg shortages, any German trading networks have decided to introduce acquisition limits for customers. The aim is to guarantee a fair distribution of available products and to prevent large quantities being bought out by individuals. specified restrictions besides aim to stabilise prices on the market, which may increase rapidly in the face of the deficit.
Chance for Polish exporters
The shortage of eggs in the German marketplace opens fresh opportunities for Polish producers. Poland has been 1 of the leading egg suppliers to Germany for years. The value of exports of eggs from Poland to Germany increased from EUR 54.8 million in 2021 to EUR 120.7 million in 2023, indicating the increasing request for Polish products. The current situation may increase exports further, especially if Polish producers are able to adapt rapidly to the needs of the German market.
Challenges for Polish producers
Despite possible benefits, Polish exporters face respective challenges. Firstly, strict quality and sanitary standards in force on the German marketplace request to be met. Secondly, dynamic changes in consumer preferences, specified as the increasing request for white eggs, may require modifications in production processes. In addition, competition on the marketplace is large and German producers will search to rebuild their own flocks as shortly as possible, which may reduce request for imported eggs in the long term.
The current shortage of eggs in Germany, mainly caused by the outbreak of avian influenza, leads to the introduction of sales limits on certain commercial networks. This represents both a challenge for Polish producers and an chance to strengthen their position on the German market. The key to success will be flexibility, adaptation to changing consumer needs and maintaining advanced quality products.
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Germany introduces limits for the acquisition of eggs. Queues in Stores
