June 11, 2024

Cheap egg imports threaten Hungary's egg market, according to poultry association

Cheap eggs from outside Hungary have recently appeared in Penny Market's Hungarian stores, raising concerns from the Hungarian Egg Hybrid Breeders and Egg Producers Association.

The association warned that this move could destabilise the domestic egg market. While Penny Market states that Hungarian eggs constitute the majority of its stock, it also emphasised the importance of affordable prices, which sometimes necessitates importing goods.

In a statement, the association claimed that Penny Market's actions are unwarranted as there is an adequate supply of domestic eggs. It noted that despite Penny Market's established relationships with Hungarian suppliers, the chain has recently rejected offers from local partners.

The association argued that importing eggs could further depress already declining egg prices, harming domestic producers. It cautioned that price instability could quickly devastate domestic egg businesses and highlighted the strategic importance of a stable Hungarian egg production system for national food security.

While acknowledging that the Hungarian market is not self-sufficient in eggs year-round and imports are sometimes necessary during peak periods like Christmas and Easter, the association insisted that the current domestic supply is sufficient to meet market demands. It urged for fair cooperation between producers and traders, criticising Penny Market's current approach as detrimental to fair business relations.

Penny Hungary maintains that it prioritises supporting local producers and ensuring a wide range of domestic products in its stores. It is in ongoing negotiations with Hungarian egg suppliers and asserts that most of its egg stock is still sourced locally.

However, Penny Hungary justified importing certain products, like the current range of white-shelled eggs available in the western region, to keep prices affordable for consumers.

- Hungary Today