October 15, 2009

UK free-range egg sales have grown 10 percent over the past year and by almost a quarter since 2006, and now account for more than 40 percent of total retail egg sales, recent figures show.

It is being predicted that retailers will sell 2 billion free-range eggs in 2009. It is reported that this is the first time this has ever been achieved.

Local media reports said that the egg market has now settled into a period of long-term growth. Over the past three years, sales have grown substantially, increasing by around 70 million eggs over that period.

The British Egg Industry Council chairman Andrew Parker said latest sales figures have reinforced the position of eggs as a major part of the weekly supermarket shop.

Parker added that after years of a market in the doldrums, the egg industry is enjoying a period of sustained growth, with consumers increasingly seeing the nutritional benefits as well as versatility and meal appeal.