Egg prices across Europe have surged significantly ahead of the Easter season, with inflation in the category far outpacing overall consumer price growth, according to recent data from Eurostat and European market sources. While overall inflation in the European Union stood at 2.3% in December 2025, egg prices rose by 9.3% over the same period, highlighting strong upward pressure on a key household staple.
Spain recorded the highest increase in egg prices, with consumer inflation reaching 31.3%, followed by North Macedonia at 26.3% and Portugal at 20.9%. These increases were substantially higher than their respective national inflation rates, indicating a sharp divergence in food pricing trends.
Other countries, including Albania, Latvia, Austria, Slovakia and Montenegro, saw price increases ranging between 13% and 19%, while several others such as Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Romania also reported double-digit growth.
Among Europe’s largest economies, France registered the lowest rise at 2.6%, followed by Germany at 3.3%. Italy saw a comparatively higher increase of 8.4%, closer to the EU average.
Wholesale markets have also reflected similar pressure. Across the EU, egg market prices rose by 18.4% in February 2026 compared to the previous year. Spain again led with a 33.7% surge, while France, the Netherlands and Czechia each recorded increases above 20%. Germany and Italy followed with moderate gains.
Despite rising inflation, egg prices vary widely across Europe. The cost of a dozen eggs ranges from as low as €1.52 in Kosovo to as high as €6.7 in Switzerland. Prices remain above €4 in countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway and Austria.
Supply constraints have also emerged in some regions. Industry groups have reported shortages in certain markets, with producers seeking higher prices to offset rising production costs.
Experts attribute the price surge to a combination of strong consumer demand and ongoing supply disruptions. Avian influenza continues to pose a significant risk, affecting poultry production and creating bottlenecks in the supply chain.
With Easter traditionally driving higher demand for eggs, market pressure is expected to remain elevated in the short term, keeping prices firm across the region.
