PARIS – The ongoing egg shortage that first gripped the United States has now reached France, leaving supermarket shelves barren and fueling consumer anxiety.
The crisis, which began in early 2025, is reminiscent of the shortages seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when panic buying led to widespread depletion of essential goods.
The current crisis stems from a combination of heightened demand, inflation-driven consumer preferences, and lingering supply chain disruptions.
According to the National Committee for the Promotion of Eggs (CNPO), sales of eggs in supermarkets surged by 4.6% in the first two months of 2025, following an already significant 4% increase in 2024.
Meanwhile, production levels have not fully recovered from the devastating avian influenza outbreaks of previous years, with overall output still 4% lower than pre-2021 levels.
Panic Buying Worsens Shortage
The scarcity of eggs in the U.S. and the subsequent media coverage appear to have exacerbated the situation in France.
“Tension was heightened when images of empty shelves in the US and record prices were repeated in France,” said Loïc Coulombel, vice president of CNPO. “This creates a panic reaction, and instead of buying one box, the customer buys two.”
Eggs have long been a staple of the French diet, offering an affordable and versatile source of protein.
As inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, consumers are opting for eggs over more expensive protein sources such as fish and meat. This shift in dietary habits has intensified pressure on an already strained supply chain.
Production Struggles to Keep Up
Despite France producing nearly 15 billion eggs in 2024, supply remains insufficient to meet the growing demand. Egg farmers are struggling to increase production, as the biological cycles of laying hens limit their output.
The poultry sector has also been slow to recover from previous bird flu outbreaks, which led to the culling of millions of birds across Europe.
Compounding the issue is the rising cost of feed, transportation, and energy, all of which contribute to higher production expenses for egg farmers.
“The entire supply chain is under stress. Farmers are facing increased costs, and this is reflected in prices that are still fluctuating,” said Alice Richard, director of the CNPO.
Government and Industry Response
The French government has acknowledged the severity of the shortage and is reportedly exploring measures to stabilize supply.
These may include financial support for egg producers, streamlining import regulations, and encouraging domestic production. However, industry experts warn that resolving the crisis will take time, particularly given the constraints of poultry farming cycles.
In the meantime, retailers are implementing purchase limits to curb panic buying, while some consumers are turning to alternative sources such as farmers’ markets or direct farm purchases. Still, for many households, the reality of empty supermarket shelves is an unsettling reminder of past crises.
As France grapples with the egg shortage, both consumers and producers are hoping for a swift resolution. But with demand continuing to outpace supply, it remains uncertain when normalcy will return to the egg market.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
