Egg market Not enough Swiss eggs for increased demand
There are not enough Swiss eggs to meet the increased demand this year. However, consumers need not worry at Easter. The only problem is that eggs from Switzerland could be scarce on supermarket shelves.
01.03.2025, 09:01
SDA
Following the sharp decline after the coronavirus pandemic, Swiss demand for eggs has been rising steadily again for two years. This was stated by the President of Gallo Suisse, Daniel Würgler, when asked by the Keystone-SDA news agency. He confirmed corresponding media reports on Friday.
While the Swiss ate an average of 186 eggs per capita in 2022 - including imported eggs - this figure had risen to 189 in 2023 and 198 in 2024. This is more than in the second coronavirus year 2021 with 195.
Swiss eggs are now also in demand in all areas, mainly for consumption of course, but also increasingly in industry, processing and the food service sector. According to the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG), the domestic share of shell eggs is around 72%. Per capita consumption rose from around 121 eggs in 2023 to around 124 eggs last year.
1124 million eggs produced in Switzerland
At the same time, domestic egg production has also increased, said Würgler. While 1093 million eggs were produced in Switzerland in 2023, the figure rose by 2.8% last year to 1124 million eggs.
However, the hurdles and requirements for expanding domestic egg production are very high. The approval process for a new barn, for example, often takes at least three years, sometimes up to ten years. It is also increasingly difficult to find skilled workers. This is because the working and attendance times are tough: the animals need care 365 days a year.
Less choice in the supermarket
Due to the increased demand, the situation is "more pronounced" this year before Easter, said Würgler. Although there is no shortage of eggs, there is a shortage of choice in the supermarket. Although Swiss hens are producing more eggs than in the previous year, this is not enough to meet demand.
Large seasonal fluctuations cannot be compensated for in the short term with domestic eggs. This is because the animals are reared for around five months and then spend one to two years on the laying farms. This means that production has to be planned around one and a half years in advance.
"Our laying hens can't do magic and the Easter bunny still doesn't lay real eggs," said Würgler. But despite everything, there will still be enough eggs for everyone this Easter. The shortfall will simply have to be covered by imports.
