According to Oplaat, prices at the farmer have already risen considerably, but supermarkets need to raise prices further. “There are farmers who are unable to sign a good contract that takes into account the rise in grain and energy prices. They need certainty.”
“If the crops barely cover the costs, they keep their shed empty for a while. That means the supply of eggs stops, while demand traditionally remains high during the holidays. Supermarkets must appease farmers to keep the egg supply high. production by paying better prices for an egg. “
The question is whether supermarkets can skimp on an egg carton’s profit. According to GfK’s retail consultant Servé Muijres, the margins on products sold as frequently as eggs are already very small.
Van Horne sees developments in the egg trading market he hasn’t seen in 35 years. “The system is turned upside down. The prices of eggs for processing into foods like cakes and shampoos are suddenly higher than the price of an egg that goes to the supermarket.”
“And the prices for free-range eggs are suddenly higher for farmers than for free-range or organic eggs. This is because consumers are choosing free-range eggs more often to save money.” Organic chicken farmers can quickly switch to free-range eggs, because that will pay off more, Van Horne thinks.
Muijres believes that switching to free-range eggs will not lead to fewer types of eggs on the shelves. “People are now paying more attention to their money. But there will always be people willing to pay more for a more sustainable alternative to free range eggs.”
