Italy is facing a monthly shortage of over 100 million eggs at a time when there is a strong growth in demand, particularly for the preparation of typical Christmas confectionery, Italian farmers association Coldiretti has said.
The 10% drop in domestic production is due to the precautionary measures taken to ensure quality and safety after avian and fipronil cases in Europe, according to Coldiretti, as reported by Ansa.
As a result, over four million out of nearly 50 million laying hens have stopped production.
Consumption Patterns
Italians consume about 215 eggs per year on average, of which 140 are consumed as eggs and the remaining one-third in the form of pasta, sweets and other dishes.
Supply problems that have led to cases of empty shelves on supermarkets have resulted in a price hike. In November, prices grew by 55.6% to an average of €14.20 per 100 units, according to the latest from Ismea.
There have also been changes in the procurement habits of consumers, with an increased tendency to directly buy from breeders at farmers markets, as well as choose more organic or free-range products.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
