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Swiss supermarkets scramble as egg shortages hit Christmas demand

Holiday baking plans in jeopardy? Swiss shoppers hunt for eggs as shortages expose gaps in local production. The same crunch hits every Easter—will 2025 be different?

In this image at the bottom there is one tray, in that tree there are some eggs.
In this image at the bottom there is one tray, in that tree there are some eggs.

Swiss supermarkets scramble as egg shortages hit Christmas demand

Swiss supermarkets have faced egg shortages over the Christmas period, leaving shelves empty in some stores. The problem stems from a sharp rise in demand, particularly for organic and locally sourced eggs. Production has struggled to match this growing appetite.

The shortages hit major chains like Migros and Coop in recent weeks. Branches in Bern, Wil, Aarau and Murgenthal all reported limited stock. Even Migros’ popular 'From the Region' label eggs were in short supply.

Egg consumption in Switzerland has climbed steadily in recent years, with peaks around holidays like Easter and Christmas. Many now see eggs as a healthy, budget-friendly alternative to meat. Yet production can’t keep pace—especially for organic and free-range varieties. Seasonal swings make the issue worse. Output naturally rises from October through Easter but dips at other times. Expanding production isn’t quick either: building new capacity takes three to six years. Switzerland currently produces only 60 to 65% of the eggs it consumes, relying on imports to fill the gap.

The shortages highlight the challenges of meeting rising demand for eggs, particularly during peak seasons. With production expansion taking years, supermarkets may continue facing supply gaps. For now, shoppers could see fewer options, especially for organic and regional eggs.

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