Dramatic rise in free range egg sales

Free range retail egg sales rose by almost 20% in volume and 46% in value in the first four weeks of 2008, resulting in free range for the first time accounting for more than half of the retail market value, according to new figures issued by British Lion eggs.

The huge growth in free range egg sales means that four in every 10 eggs sold in the retail sector are now free range.

Total egg sales volume for the four weeks ending 29 January 2008 was up by more than 1%, which follows exceptional, sustained growth of 2.5% in 2007. Egg market value rose by almost one-third, with sales exceeding £56m in January 2008.

Eggs: Healthy and slimming

Andrew Parker, chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, commented: “We put the sustained growth down to the wealth of scientific evidence showing that eggs are good for you as well as new research which shows that eggs can help you slim.

“The egg industry has become one of the most successful agricultural sectors by reacting to consumer demand and we are well prepared to supply additional free range eggs if the market demands it,” he said.