In recent weeks, Spain has faced a new wave of avian influenza that has impacted poultry farms across the country. As a result of the outbreak, thousands of chickens have been culled, and birds previously kept outdoors have been moved indoors. These measures aim to prevent further spread of the disease, but they have already had a noticeable impact on the market.
Consumers have noticed that eggs from free-range hens are appearing less frequently on store shelves. This is especially true for products favored by supporters of more humane animal treatment. The decrease in supply has led to higher prices, as well as the need to temporarily adjust store assortments.
Mercadona, one of the country’s largest retail chains, has confirmed a reduction in shipments of eggs from non-caged hens. Usually, these eggs make up a significant part of the retailer’s selection, but sanitary restrictions have temporarily limited their availability. The company assured customers that this situation is temporary, and that the usual range will return as soon as the epidemiological situation stabilizes.
For several years now, Mercadona has been systematically transitioning its suppliers to cage-free egg production. Over this period, more than 200 million euros have been invested in farm modernization and adopting new standards, and by the completion of the program, this amount will exceed 400 million. Modern facilities where chickens are kept free-range are being opened and expanded in various regions across the country: in Valencia, the Canary Islands, Murcia, and Navarre. For example, a single farm in Utiel is home to a quarter of a million hens, while in Gáldar there are another one hundred thousand.
With limited supply, egg prices have risen significantly. At Mercadona, a pack of twelve medium eggs now costs €3.10, while large eggs are €3.30 per dozen. This is considerably higher than a year ago, when prices hovered around two euros. Despite this, the chain is striving to keep prices as low as possible compared to competitors.
For now, experts assure that the risk of infection for consumers is minimal, but the impact on the market is substantial. In the near future, shoppers will have to accept a temporary reduction in variety; however, Mercadona representatives insist that as soon as the avian flu situation improves, the usual selection of eggs will return to the shelves.
