Why our egg shelves are partly empty right now

Our egg shelves are partly empty right now. Why is that?

In 2024, demand for eggs rose by about 10%, while that for fresh Swiss free-range eggs increased by even more. Supply simply can't keep pace with this demand.

Why has consumption suddenly increased?

Nobody knows for sure. One reason could be that eggs are the cheapest source of protein and appeal to price-conscious customers. This would explain the current consumer situation. The phenomenon isn't unique to Migros, but can be observed worldwide.

Why don't Swiss farmers simply increase their production?

More eggs means more laying hens. That would require more producers to be found and more chicken coops to be built, which is neither possible in the short term nor sensible. After all, demand drops significantly after sales peaks like Easter.

What is Migros doing?

To meet some of the increased demand, Migros has to import additional eggs from other European countries. Nevertheless, there are limits to these imports, since an increased in the demand for eggs can also be observed elsewhere in Europe.

What about animal welfare with regard to imported eggs?

Most importers comply with the KAT association's minimum standard for controlled alternative animal husbandry, which governs the different types of husbandry - such as organic, free-range and barn rearing - and also prohibits beak trimming, for example. This makes the standard comparable to Swiss animal welfare legislation.

Are all Swiss eggs affected?

At present, there are just about enough organic Swiss eggs. However, the situation could gradually become critical here too. That's because customers will look for alternatives when all other Swiss eggs are unavailable. Unfortunately, here too there is little scope for increasing egg production.

Will there be enough eggs for Easter?

Migros will do everything it can to have enough eggs on its shelves for Easter. However, the proportion of imported eggs will be significantly higher than it was in other years.