Is the Egg Problem Affecting Germany Too?

Easter is just around the corner, and both children and adults are looking forward to painting and hunting for eggs. But what began in America weeks ago and made headlines around the world is now affecting Germany as well. The German Egg Producers' Association confirmed that egg prices across Germany have risen in recent weeks, which is linked to a supply problem.

However, the association’s president, Hans-Peter Goldnick, reassures: "We will have enough eggs for Easter." The situation has stabilized again.

Why are there too few eggs at the moment?

Several factors have triggered the egg shortage and the resulting price increase. However, the biggest problem is still avian influenza, which forces farmers worldwide to cull infected laying hens. Although new young hens are raised on farms, it takes several months before they start laying eggs.

The disease is currently affecting hens around the world, which is why imports from other countries were unable to cover the excess demand. Last year, Germany was only able to meet 72 percent of the domestic consumption with its own egg production. However, as other countries are also facing shortages, Germany – like many other countries – was unable to increase supply through imports.

Additionally, it is common practice in production facilities to reduce production after Christmas in order to rotate the flocks. Old hens are slaughtered, and young chicks are purchased and raised. According to Goldnick, however, all farms will be operating normally again by the end of March.

Could eggs become scarce in supermarkets again?

In fact, the heavily affected USA is currently requesting egg deliveries from Europe. The German Ministry of Economics has also received such a request and passed it on to the German Egg Producers' Association, according to Goldnick. The request is now being directed to large producers.

However, Philipp Hennerkes, the managing director of the German Food Retailers' Association, does not expect the USA's request to cause renewed egg shortages in Germany. "We have cooperative partnerships with producers, and the contractual agreements secure supply." Furthermore, it will be difficult for the USA in general to find the required quantity of eggs, as all countries are currently facing the same problem.

In Germany, rising prices for Easter are also not expected.

Photo: Unsplash / by Jakub Kapusnak