Two Billion Free Range Eggs to be Sold in 2009

Free range egg sales are fuelling a renaissance in the UK egg market, according to new figures released today.  The latest statistics show that free range egg sales have grown by 10% over the last year and by almost a quarter since 2006, and now account for more than 40% of total retail egg sales*.

Eggsperts are now predicting that retailers will sell two billion free range eggs in 2009 – the first time this has ever been achieved.

The egg market, which has been in long-term decline since the 1950s and even before Edwina Currie made her comments about eggs, has now settled into a period of long-term growth.  Over the past three years, sales have grown substantially, increasing by around 70 million eggs over that period. 

The good news about sales is an additional boost to the market in time for British Egg Week (5-12 October), and follows the news earlier this year that there are no longer any limits on consumption, following the British Heart Foundation’s decision to remove its limit. 

Andrew Parker, Chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, said:  “The latest sales figures have reinforced the position of eggs as a major part of the weekly supermarket shop.  After years of a market in the doldrums, the egg industry is enjoying a period of sustained growth, with consumers increasingly seeing the nutritional benefits as well as versatility and meal appeal.”

*TNS, 52 weeks ending 6 September 09