Tensions are escalating between French retailers and egg producers as supply issues come to the forefront.
Retailers Turn to Imports
Two major French supermarket chains, Carrefour and Leclerc, have begun sourcing eggs from Poland and Ukraine. These retailers cite an inability to obtain enough French-produced eggs to meet rising consumer demand. However, the egg industry organization, CNPO, has expressed concerns that these imported eggs often come from cage systems, contrasting with their push for the adoption of cage-free systems among French suppliers.
Disagreements over Ovo-Sexing
Recent disagreements have also surfaced regarding the financial responsibilities of retailers in funding compulsory ovo-sexing. This practice aims to minimize the mass culling of male chicks, a contentious issue in the egg industry. After extensive negotiations, involving mediation and threats from the egg producers association CFA to halt supplies, the parties finally reached an agreement.
Exit from CNPO
In light of ongoing conflicts, retail associations FCA and FCD have decided to withdraw from CNPO, expressing frustration over their inability to effectively communicate their needs. Layla Rahnou, chief of FCD, criticized CNPO’s governance structure, stating, “The organization has become a cacophony of voices and has recently made decisions without considering the retail sector’s interests.”
In response, CNPO expressed surprise at the decision, noting that it undermines collective efforts needed to address the growing demand for domestically produced eggs in France.
Consumer Demand and Production Challenges
In 2024, the average German citizen consumed approximately 226 eggs, representing a 4.2% increase from the previous year, far surpassing the global average of 182 eggs. As French production struggles to keep pace with this rising demand, the reliance on imported eggs is on the rise, leading to frustration among local producers. Historically, foreign eggs were primarily allocated for processing or the hospitality industry, but now they are making their way into the consumer market as well.
Conclusion
The situation reveals the complexities facing the egg sector in France, as balancing consumer demand with local production capabilities continues to be a significant challenge. Both retailers and producers must navigate their relationships carefully to ensure a sustainable future for French eggs.
