02 September 2026
According to updated figures released by Eurostat, the European table egg sector has demonstrated moderate growth and operational resilience over the past five years (2021–2025). The sector has benefited from post-crisis recovery and stable consumer demand despite persistent challenges posed by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and the ongoing structural transition toward cage-free housing systems. The data reveal a highly concentrated market, with the European Union’s five largest producing countries accounting for the majority of total output, alongside substantial expansion in Eastern European production hubs. Western Europe’s major markets - France, Germany, and Spain - continue to maintain high and relatively stable production levels, with modest gains over the period. Beyond the EU, Turkey remains a major regional producer, producing 19.89 billion eggs in 2025, following a record peak of 21.16 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported substantial production of 11.73 billion eggs in 2025.
- France: Retains its position as the largest producer of table eggs in the European Union. Despite slight fluctuations between 2022 and 2024, production reached a record 15.8 billion eggs in 2025, representing an approximate 3% year-on-year increase and a return to historically high production levels.
- Germany: Demonstrates steady and consistent growth, recording a cumulative increase of approximately 5.4% over the five-year period. Production reached a peak of 13.75 billion eggs in 2025, reinforcing Germany’s position as a major production and consumption hub in Central Europe.
Spain: The Spanish layer sector experienced continuous expansion between 2021 and 2024, reaching a peak of nearly 13.9 billion eggs. Production underwent a minor downward correction in 2025, declining by approximately 1.6%; nevertheless, Spain remains a major producer and a key exporter of shell eggs and egg products across Europe.
- Poland: Recorded the most substantial expansion within the EU, with production increasing by approximately 35.8% over the five-year period. Rising from 9.3 billion eggs in 2021 to more than 12.5 billion eggs in 2025, Poland has firmly established itself as a major supplier of shell eggs and processed egg products to other EU member states.
- Italy: Following several years without official reporting (2021–2024), Eurostat’s 2025 update provides consolidated figures, ranking Italy fifth among EU producers, with production exceeding 12.3 billion eggs. This volume reflects a robust domestic sector serving primarily local retail and industrial processing demand.
- The Netherlands: Historically ranked among Europe’s top three egg producers and exporters, with peak annual production approaching 10–11 billion eggs, the Netherlands now ranks sixth in the EU, with output recorded at 8.53 billion eggs in 2025. The decline in Dutch output and the loss of market share to competitors such as Poland and Spain can be attributed to several structural constraints. Environmental regulation and nitrogen limits: Stringent domestic environmental regulations targeting nitrogen and ammonia emissions have encouraged government-backed voluntary livestock buyout schemes, limiting the expansion of layer capacity. Early adoption of cage-free systems: The Netherlands’ early transition toward barn, free-range, and organic production systems reduced stocking densities and increased baseline operating costs relative to conventional production systems in Eastern Europe. Epidemiological pressures: High poultry density, combined with the country’s location along important migratory waterfowl routes, has increased exposure to recurring HPAI incursions, resulting in extensive culling and prolonged quarantine measures. Shifting export flows: Poland’s rapid expansion has captured a substantial share of key destination markets, particularly Germany. Nevertheless, the Netherlands remains a major international hub for egg packing, processing, logistics, and poultry technology.
- Ukraine: A major regional producer, Ukraine’s output would place it among the EU’s five largest egg producers if it were a full EU member state. With production of 11.73 billion eggs in 2025, Ukrainian output is comparable to that of Italy and Poland and exceeds that of most other EU member states. Prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion, Ukrainian production reached approximately 16–19 billion eggs annually, driven by integrated agro-industrial companies such as Avangardco and Ovostar Union. Wartime disruptions and asset losses subsequently resulted in a temporary decline in production to approximately 11.4 billion eggs. The 11.73 billion eggs recorded in 2025 indicate a degree of operational stabilization, supply-chain restructuring, and relocation of production toward safer central and western regions. Under the EU’s Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) introduced to support Ukraine’s economy, competitive Ukrainian egg exports increased substantially in EU member states, notably Poland, Spain, Italy, and Latvia. Lower feed and labor costs contributed to the competitiveness of these imports, which in turn generated concerns among European producers and contributed to agricultural protests. The European Commission subsequently reinstated protective tariff-rate quotas through an “emergency brake” mechanism. Located on the EU’s eastern periphery, Ukraine continues to play an important role in European egg supply, with implications for regional pricing and market balance.
Eurostat: Production of eggs for consumption.
