“Delicate situation in the organic egg industry”

Raw materials. The organic egg market has entered a turbulent area for several months. The appetite of the French is no longer in line with the rhythm of spawning gallinaceae. The result: a sudden stall which shattered the hopes of some farmers.

Sales of eggs marked with the number 0, distinguishing more environmentally friendly production, fell 3.1% in volume in stores in the first eight months of 2021, according to the National Committee for the Promotion of egg (CNPO). At the same time, the ranks of laying hens benefiting from a more comfortable breeding method and pecking organic food have continued to grow. In the summer, they were 7.3 million in the territory. Or nearly 15.9% of the total herd.

Scrambled radar

A scissor effect that has taken its mind off a market sensitive to the slightest overproduction. “A supply imbalance of 1% to 2% can cause prices to fall by 10%”, analysis Maxime Chaumet, secretary general of the CNPO.

The same air hole has also shaken the entire industry, regardless of the farming method. The Covid-19 crisis has clouded the radar of the egg market. During the first confinement, the French rushed to the supermarket shelves to satisfy their desires to turn into pastry chefs. Sales jumped 11% over the whole of 2020, in stores.

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In spring 2020, prices reached 9 euros per hundred, for non-organic production. Before falling to 6.5 euros with the reopening of restaurants and canteens. The quotes regained a little force during the summer to now approach 7.5 euros. The overflow of organic eggs has also resulted in lower prices on the shelves.

Major brands have taken advantage of the windfall to make promotions. Wishing to regulate production, packaging companies that pack all types of eggs, organic and non-organic, have reduced organic herds among breeders by not introducing new animals into buildings or by placing laying hens in retirement. anticipated. A situation which can be delicate for the breeder paid by contract for the number of eggs delivered and forced to reimburse his investments.

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“Unfortunately, there will be breakage in the organic egg sector”, recognizes Philippe Henry, president of Agence Bio and farmer in Meurthe-et-Moselle. It highlights the benefit of controlling its distribution or not putting all your eggs in the basket of Cocorette, Matines or CDPO, the packers.

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