Despite the increasing public concern for animal welfare, cage eggs (No. 3) still maintain their dominance in the market. This trend is driven by economic factors rather than consumer preferences. Buyers are opting for special offer items and cheaper products, primarily thinking about their family budget and opportunities.
“In recent years, we have continued to expand the offer of free-range eggs No. 0 laid on a biological farm, free-range eggs No. 1, and barn-laid eggs No. 2 in top! stores in accordance with the company’s social responsibility policy, taking into account proper animal welfare, product diversity, and market competition. In addition, we have informed customers about egg labelling and the significance of animal welfare. Although the proportion of cage eggs decreased in 2021, the inflation rate at the end of 2022 and 2023 demonstrates that the most important factor for customers is the selling price of eggs. To achieve real change, the country’s economic situation must be improved, and joint information campaigns on egg categories must be conducted with the involvement of all parties. Although producers continue to invest in expanding the production of category 1 and 2 eggs, as long as the producer offers eggs laid in cages, they will be in demand among consumers, and we, just like other retailers, will have to provide them on store shelves,” says Ilze Priedīte, Member of the Management Board and Marketing Director of the store chain top!, describing the situation.
Comparing 2023 with 2022, the number of eggs sold was 3% higher than the year before, with cage eggs being the most popular due to the lower price on the market. The data also shows a relatively positive trend, with sales of eggs No. 0, No. 1 and No. 2 considered stable.
Out of concern for animal welfare, we offer barn-laid eggs No. 2 in our tip top private label range, which are a customer favourite. We also highlight on the packaging that these are barn-laid eggs, so that customers know what they are buying without having to open the box and look for the marking. In the future, it would be beneficial to clearly differentiate between free-range and cage eggs on all packages using distinct markings, enabling customers to make well-informed decisions.
About the retail store chain top!
The retail store chain top! is the largest store chain owned by Latvian business and the third largest retail chain in Latvia. There are currently 207 food stores in Latvia operating under the trademark top!, owned by 12 local companies. In total, more than 3,500 jobs are provided, supporting local producers and suppliers across Latvia.