A hen

Knowledge Guide

egg facts and figures

Egg market size 2010 (industry estimate)
UK Production 9,023 million eggs
Imports 2,522 million eggs
Exports 265 million eggs
Total UK Consumption 11,273 million eggs (+1%)
Number of eggs eaten in the UK 2010 (industry estimate)
Total per annum 11,273 million
Per capita 182
Number per day 31 million
Retail market value 2010 (industry estimate) 
Sales £868m
Production costs 2010 - Ex farm cost of production of a dozen eggs (NFU)
Pence/dozen Cage Free range
62.3 84.7
UK egg market breakdown 
Retail 46%
Food Manufacture                 24%
Foodservice    30%
Retail sector - outlet share 2010 (Kantar)
Multiples 82.4%
Co-ops 5.2%
Market Stalls 2.4%
Independents 1.7%
Butchers 1.5%
Milkmen 1%
Others 5.8%
Egg type breakdown 2010
Total Market (Defra)
Laying cage 50%
Free Range 45% (inc estimated 3% organic)
Barn 5%
Retail Sector (Kantar)
Laying cage 47%
Free Range 47% (inc estimated 2 organic)
Barn 5%
Not stated 1%
UK laying flock 2010
UK (est) 36m hens in laying flocks

Please click here for archive figures 2004 - 2008