In September, the average wholesale price for a dozen first-category eggs from producers was 53 rubles, a 26% decrease year-on-year. Production has reached record levels. What caused such a significant drop in egg prices?
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, by early September, the average producer price for a dozen first-category eggs was about 53 rubles, marking a 26% reduction compared to the previous year. Second-category eggs saw an even steeper decline, falling by 32% to 40 rubles per dozen.
Rosstat reports that egg production in Russia from January to July increased by 6.5% year-on-year, reaching 23 billion units. Analysts note that this output exceeds Russian consumer demand by 20%. Leonid Ardaliov, NTech Analytics Director, comments on why eggs have become so inexpensive:
“In the retail sector, we are observing a very substantial price drop this year. By the end of the first half, chicken egg prices had decreased by 17% compared to the same period last year, and this decline continued through the summer, a process that shows no signs of stopping.”
“What is causing this decline?”
“Beyond overproduction, we don`t see other significant factors that would have such a substantial impact, simply because eggs are a product with few substitutes. It would be entirely incorrect to suggest any serious shift to or from egg consumption. Moreover, in the new economic reality, the consumer market of 2025 is fundamentally different from that of 2023-2024. In this new economic environment, eggs are showing very strong growth in physical consumption. I cannot name any factor for price reduction other than overproduction. Making any predictions is a thankless task. The market is in a state of turbulence, any changes could occur, and it`s quite possible that the 2026 consumer market and its prices will be so incredible compared to what we see now that many people will be utterly shocked.”
Leonid ArdaliovNTech Analytics Director
Rosstat data also indicates an increase in poultry population: the number of laying hens grew by 1% since the end of last year, reaching 483 million. Compared to 2020, this represents a 12% increase. Dmitry Vostrikov, Executive Director of the Rusprodsoyuz Association, states that many smaller egg producers cannot withstand the competition and are reorienting towards chicken meat production:
“Prices are falling, a trend that began in the summer. I believe many consumers have seen various offers in different retail chains at prices as low as 30-40 rubles. According to poultry farmers` estimates, the cost price of commercial eggs this year is around 60-65 rubles. In any case, eggs are a perishable product, and therefore, poultry farms that cannot secure contracts at a normal price – primarily for unbranded eggs, as branded eggs have long-term contracts with more or less stable and profitable prices – are forced to sell eggs below cost to minimize losses. This poses a risk that such poultry farms might switch to producing chicken meat to avoid significantly changing their profile, which would nonetheless reduce egg supply in the market.”
“Currently, in addition to the increased population of laying hens, it`s also a high season for egg-laying. Unfortunately, this does not coincide with peak consumption seasons, which are December before New Year and Easter, when eggs are dyed. It`s very difficult to explain to hens that they should lay more actively at other times than in summer. This is a problem, and we believe that proper regulation involves the state acting as a buffer, smoothing out prices, and preventing losses for poultry enterprises.”
Dmitry VostrikovExecutive Director of Rusprodsoyuz Association
Analysts point out that only 1% of Russian eggs are exported, which is a very low figure. In contrast, poultry meat exports abroad, according to Agroexport, totaled 262 thousand tons in the first half of the year, a 23% increase. However, this still represents only 6.5% of the total chicken production volume.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth