Northern European egg markets remain historically tight

Northern European egg prices are declining, but overall price levels remain very high. Despite the Easter peak having passed, the market remains very tight. As a result, farmgate prices have started to fall later than we are typically used to.The Dutch egg price has taken a significant step back this week. Nevertheless, the overall price level remains relatively high and is expected to stay elevated for the time being. Egg prices have dropped sharply. The NOP quotation has fallen by 30 cents this week to €20.05. Even for the week leading up to Easter, this is a substantial reduction, although it is not surprising given the previously high price levels.Although the peak associated with Easter demand has passed, the market is still far from balanced. The table egg market has been extremely tight in recent weeks. Due to structurally higher demand for eggs, it has been difficult this year to accommodate seasonal spikes around Easter. This was also evident in supermarkets. Just before Easter, it was not uncommon for more affordable types of eggs to be sold out.While actual shortages were avoided, consumers were not always able to purchase their preferred type of eggs. This tightness has increased pressure across the supply chain. These supply chains were already significantly disrupted last year due to avian influenza and shortages of hatching eggs. As a result, prices are expected to remain relatively high, despite the seasonal decline now underway.Prices fall later This tightness is also reflected in the NOP farmgate quotation. Although Easter occurred earlier than last year, the decline in prices started considerably later. Last year, buyers entered the egg market early due to high prices, causing the market to peak well before Easter. This year, that was not possible because market tightness was much greater. In addition, some recovery was needed after the Easter peak to ease the most severe shortages.German prices fall even more In Germany, the industrial egg price has fallen by as much as 33 cents, according to the Weser-Ems quotation. Prices there have dropped to €20.35.In Germany, the situation is largely the same. Supply across all categories of eggs remains very tight. Market commentators note that demand at packing stations is significantly higher than the supply of eggs at the farmgate level. Eggs are sold as soon as they arrive. There was a relatively large supply of cage eggs (from colony cage systems), which the industry quickly absorbed.