Egg consumption in Spain is consolidating its sustained and significant growth in households since 2019. Data compiled by Inprovo on the occasion of World Egg Day indicates a 16.7% increase in consumption over this period, with an average annual expenditure of €72.09 per household.
The data shows that people aged over 65 are the main consumers, far exceeding the national average, while families with young children consume less. Furthermore, the report highlights a growing trend towards including eggs at breakfast and a transformation in production systems driven by consumer preferences, with a decline in the use of cages and an increase in cage-free systems.
The egg has consolidated its role as a reference protein for households, and its value performance is clearly above that of the food sector as a whole for the period 2019–2024
Spanish households drive egg consumption up 16.7% since 2019
The egg market in Spain is experiencing sustained growth. The ongoing marketing campaigns to promote and raise awareness of the nutritional value of eggs driven by INPROVO are delivering results, as Spanish households have increased consumption by 16.7% since 2019. This increase represents an additional 79,000 tonnes, equivalent to 1.253 billion more eggs per year, according to data from the “Egg Consumption Observatory in Spain” compiled by Inprovo.
According to Luz de Santos, Director of Inprovo, the growing relevance of eggs is due to the fact that it is a food that is “nutritionally complete and affordable for Spanish consumers
The egg consolidates its position as the reference protein
The egg has maintained the peak levels of presence in the shopping basket it had already reached in 2023. It has also recorded a 25% increase compared with 2018. When comparing the 2019–2024 period, its value performance is clearly above that of the food sector as a whole, confirming its role as a reference protein for households.
Spanish consumers’ commitment to eggs as an essential food in their diet is also reflected in household expenditure, which averages €72.09 per year. Inprovo’s Director, Luz de Santos, has explained that the growing relevance of eggs stems from the fact that it is a food that is “nutritionally complete and affordable” for Spanish consumers.
The rise of breakfast and the ongoing transition in production systems
One of the most notable trends is the emergence of eggs at breakfast. Eggs are now present at one in every six breakfasts, expanding their relevance in daily routines. 4.1% of home consumption occasions now occur during this mealtime, representing an increase of 1.5 percentage points compared with 2019, in a context of accelerating decline in sweet breakfasts.
Another key factor in the evolution of the market has been the transformation of the supply mix. Over the past four years, the cage system has lost 15.6 percentage points in share. Conversely, the barn/free-range housing system has almost tripled its market share, climbing in value from fourth to second position. This dynamic has been reinforced recently, as caged eggs fell six points in the past year alone, while barn/free-range housing gained 6.3 points.
The transition is also being driven by demand shifting towards packaged consumption, as loose/bulk sales have retreated 21% over four years. At the same time, free-range eggs are returning to a growth trajectory following a setback in 2023, while organic eggs have stabilised. Luz de Santos emphasises that, regardless of the production system (enriched cage, barn, free-range or organic), all eggs produced in Spain apply the European model, which guarantees the highest standards of animal health, animal welfare, food safety, quality and nutritional value.
Over-65s: the heaviest consumers
The report also details significant differences in consumption by population group.
People aged over 65 are the heaviest consumers, recording 14.1 kg per capita per year, which represents nearly 67% more than the national average.
At the other end of the scale, families with young children record the lowest consumption rate, at just 5.09 kg per capita. Other groups with lower consumption include couples with middle-aged children and couples without children, with consumption of around 6.5 kg per capita per year. This disparity has prompted Inprovo to develop promotional campaigns targeted at the lowest-consuming groups, such as young people, couples without children and families with young children.
People aged over 65 are the heaviest consumers, with 14.1 kg per capita per year, representing nearly 67% more than the national average.
Regional differences
There are notable differences in consumption between Spanish regions. The average per capita consumption in 2024 stands at 8.95 kg.
Well above this average, and standing out significantly from the rest, are:
- Cantabrians (12.13 kg per capita).
- Basques (11.13 kg per capita).
- Navarrese (10.63 kg per capita).
The egg, thanks to its excellent nutritional value and its improved image among consumers who perceive it as a healthy food, has strong potential to continue growing.
For further information:
-. Website of INPROVO and News about the Egg and Egg Products Interbranch Organisation
-. Poultry farming in Spain
-. European consumers wanted cage-free eggs. Now they have them. 30% more expensive than in 2024, and that’s still not enough…..
-. €2.3 billion: the cost of removing every single hen from cages in Spain