Sainsbury’s resorts to Italian egg, as UK producers turn away from loss-making contracts

Sainsbury’s has confirmed it is stocking Italian shell eggs as British retailers scramble for UK product.

The retailer previously committed to sourcing only British free-range eggs, but according to the British Free Range Producers Association (BFREPA), around a third of producers are scaling back production or leaving the industry, due to rocketing inflationary costs on feed and energy.

BFREPA said it had surveyed 163 of its members, and 33% had either reduced their flock sizes, paused production temporarily or left the industry all together.

 

“In March we asked for a 40p per dozen rise in egg prices at retail level, and for the additional money to be passed down the chain to producers. While egg prices have risen by about 45p per dozen, many farmers have only received 5-10p of that rise,” said the organisation in a statement.

 

New monthly data supplied to BFREPA from ADAS shows the average producer is now losing 29.62p per dozen eggs.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson declined to say how much Italian egg it was importing, but issued this statement: “Currently supermarkets are experiencing some supply challenges with eggs. At Sainsbury’s we are committed to sourcing British as much as possible and continue to work hard with our suppliers across the UK to ensure customers can buy what they need. To help maintain availability we are also temporarily sourcing some eggs from Italy, which will be clearly labelled on the packaging.”