Following the road map marked by retailers, which seem determined to abandon definitely egg production in cages, the main Spanish producers will invest more than €200 million in animal welfare between 2019 and 2023.
Main investments planned for 2019-2023
The Spanish market leader, Huevos Guillén, Mercadona’s supplier, is also leading the expected outlays and it will allocate €48.4 million until 2023. In 2019, the Valencian-based supermarket chain has given entry to four other egg suppliers, Gerardo de Lucas, Avícola Barco, Granja Pinilla y Avícola Mondejana, which will boost their investments in cage-free production to align themselves with Mercadona’s decision to exclude number 3 (eggs from battery-grown chickens) sales.
Grupo Avícola Rujamar, aspiring to lead the production of free cage eggs in Spain, will make the second largest inversion in the country. Its role as Lidl and Ahorramás’ supplier is driving its transformation plan.
In 2018, Granja San Miguel led the production of free-range hens, with 25% of its volume coming from alternative systems. As far as investments for the period 2019-2023 are concerned, this Aragón farm is in third place.
The latest egg sector figures in Spain
Main egg producers and traders in Spain
Major egg producers labelled number 0, 1 and 2
The egg sector in Spain
Evolution of egg domestic consumption
Destination of egg exports
Origin of egg imports
Source: Alimarket