UK retail egg sales remained positive in 2018, supported by consumer desire for healthier options and flexitarianism.
A change in official advice may also be partly to thank now that vulnerable groups can enjoy runny eggs, as long as they are Lion.
Following more than 10 years of sales growth, annual retail egg sales are up again, this time by around 4% year-on-year.
It’s the equivalent of around 240 million extra eggs, or around half a pack of extra eggs for every person in the UK. The total value of sales is also up around 4%; totalling around £36 million.
Sales have remained strong into the New Year period, with the latest four-week volume and value figures (for the week ending January 27) also up around 5% and 4%, respectively.
Healthy eating boost
Changing consumer consumption trends are also helping increase egg sales, with the growth of diets such as flexitarianism encouraging consumers to look for protein-based meat alternatives, such as eggs, more frequently.
A desire for healthy meal options continues to drive egg sales, while the FSA change in advice has helped to broaden the market for eggs.
Andrew Joret, chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, said: “For more than 10 years I’ve been able to report on growing egg sales and I’m delighted to report this once again.
Despite broader consumer consumption trends changing every year, eggs remain very much at the centre of modern lifestyles and a shopping basket essential for the young and old.
“For sales to grow by more than half a pack of eggs for every person in the UK within a year is fantastic news and I’d like to think we can secure the full pack by the end of this year. ”
