Oliyar, a prominent Ukrainian oil and fat manufacturer, has announced a groundbreaking project to construct a farm capable of housing 2.3 million laying hens in the Lviv region. This substantial addition to egg production is poised to significantly impact the competitive dynamics of the Eastern European egg market.
The proposed farm will be situated in the Shchyretskaya neighborhood of the Lviv region, located just 80 km east of the Polish border. The project will include 20 modern hen houses designed to house Hy-Line Brown crossbreed hens. The expected daily output is approximately 1.6 million eggs.
“Our hen houses will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, featuring fully automated systems and processes,” Oliyar highlighted in their environmental assessment report.
As one of Ukraine’s leading oil producers and processors, Oliyar specializes in sunflower, rapeseed, and soybean products, exporting to markets across the EU, Middle East, Canada, the US, and Africa.
Despite the ongoing military conflict, Ukraine anticipates notable growth in egg production over the coming years. A forecast from the Kyiv School of Economy predicts that by 2033, egg production will reach 855,000 tonnes, reflecting a 31% increase compared to 2023.
Potential Impact on Regional Competition
According to Radio Pin, a Polish news outlet, this ambitious farm could dramatically reshape the competitive landscape in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland. “Such large-scale investments may significantly heighten competition for Polish poultry and egg producers, potentially affecting their profitability in the future,” they stated.
The Polish egg producers association, Otwarte Klatki, reported that approximately 54 million laying hens were housed in the country last year, producing around 11 billion eggs. This represents a year-on-year increase of 0.9 million units, largely driven by surging domestic demand.
Furthermore, estimates from Poland’s Central Statistical Office indicate a remarkable 27% increase in per capita egg consumption in 2024, reaching an average of 179 eggs per person.
“In terms of the number of eggs laid, Poland ranks 5th in the European Union, with about 40% of our production allocated for export. Key export destinations include Germany and the Netherlands, as well as markets in the UK, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Hungary,” stated Anna Iżyńska-Tymoniuk, communications manager at Otwarte Klatki.
As the second-largest exporter of eggs in the EU, following the Netherlands, Poland generated €471 million in revenue from egg exports last year.
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