Egg Crisis in 2025: Causes, Impacts, and Future Prospects

Egg Crisis in 2025: Causes, Impacts, and Future Prospects
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In 2025, egg prices increased significantly both in Italy and globally. This increase is attributable to a combination of factors, including avian influenza, rising production costs, and seasonal demand dynamics. In this article, we explore the causes of this phenomenon, historical price trends, emerging alternatives, and testimonials from Italian producers.
📈 Historical Egg Price Trends (2015–2025)
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Over the past ten years, egg prices have shown a fluctuating trend, influenced by various economic, health, and environmental factors.
1. 2015–2019 : Period of relative price stability, with slight increases due to fluctuations in production costs and seasonal demand.
2. 2020–2021 : The COVID-19 pandemic caused supply chain disruptions, leading to temporary price increases.
3. 2022–2023 : Avian influenza affected several farms in Europe and the United States, reducing supplies and pushing up prices.
4. 2024–2025 : A further increase in prices was observed, attributed to a combination of factors, including persistent avian influenza, rising production costs and growing demand.
The graph showing the estimated trend in the average price of eggs in Italy from 2015 to 2025 , expressed in €/kg.
You can notice three key phases:
1. 📈 2015–2019 : slow and stable growth.
2. 🦠 2020–2021 : slight increase due to the COVID effect.
3. 🐔 2022–2025 : Spike due to avian flu, rising energy prices, and high demand.
🥚 Egg Production: An Essential Sector
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Eggs are a staple in the Italian diet, with an average annual consumption of approximately 219 eggs per capita. National production is concentrated primarily in regions like Veneto, which is home to over 250 laying hen farms with more than 250 birds.
📈 Price Rise in 2025: The Main Causes
1. Avian Flu
Avian influenza has had a significant impact on egg production. In the United States, for example, over 30 million laying hens were culled to contain the spread of the virus. This led to a reduction in supply and a consequent increase in prices.
2. Increase in Production Costs
In Italy, egg producers are facing rising costs related to animal feed, energy, and logistics. These increases do not always translate into corresponding increases in retail prices, putting pressure on farmers profit margins.
3. Seasonal Demand
Demand for eggs tends to increase during certain times of the year, such as Easter, influencing prices. In 2025, this seasonal trend further contributed to price increases.
🌱 Plant-Based Alternatives to Eggs
With rising prices and a growing focus on plant-based diets, plant-based alternatives to eggs are gaining popularity.
1. Just Egg : A plant-based protein product that mimics the texture and flavor of scrambled eggs.
2. Orgran No Egg : A powdered egg substitute, ideal for baking and cooking.
3. Ener-G Egg Replacer : A blend of starches and leavening agents that replaces eggs in baking recipes.
These alternatives offer sustainable and often more affordable options, meeting the needs of vegan, allergy-sensitive, or environmentally conscious consumers.
🐔 Testimonials from Italian Producers
Italian producers are facing significant challenges in 2025. Many farmers are reporting difficulties covering production costs due to rising feed and energy prices. Some are investing in more efficient technologies and sustainable farming practices to reduce long-term costs. However, economic pressure remains high, and many are seeking government support to overcome this crisis.
🌍 Global Impact and Future Prospects
The egg crisis has had global repercussions. In the United States, retail prices reached record highs, with a dozen eggs selling for over $7. In Europe, although the increase was more modest, egg prices rose 6.7% in March 2025 compared to the previous year.
Future prospects depend on the ability to contain avian influenza, stabilize production costs, and manage seasonal demand. Experts suggest that prices could remain high at least until spring 2025.