The UK looks set to see an increase in Ukrainian egg imports as producers from the country look to capitalise on a tariff-free trade agreement signed last year.
Two major Ukrainian suppliers – Avangardco and Ovostar Union – are said to be eyeing a big push into the UK, according to industry insiders. Their pivot towards Britain follows an increase in import tariffs on exports to the EU last year, over concerns cheaper Ukrainian product was flooding the bloc.
It comes as the UK is already seeing a general increase in imports of shell eggs, with total volumes up 15.2% year on year in January, and up 36.7% in February, according to Defra statistics.
A two-year deal to allow tariff-free access for Ukrainian eggs and poultrymeat to the UK is due to run until March 2026, when it will be reviewed, as part of a wider five-year agreement for agricultural goods. The Ukrainian government is also said to be pushing to extend the egg and poultry tariff exemption until March 2029, in line with other Ukrainian produce.
The sector was now seeing “a marked increase in Ukrainian egg coming into the country at eye-watering prices”, said British Free Range Egg Producers Association head of strategy and producer engagement Gary Ford.
Ford wrote in BFREPA’s Ranger magazine that the growth of imports not produced to UK standards was “an insult to farmers”.
Avandgardco and Ovostar Union are described by industry sources as “super mega” battery producers that utilise battery cages, banned in the UK since 2012.
On the potential for Ukrainian imports to supplement the general rise in imports, Ford added the sector wanted “to do what we can to support the Ukrainians but it cannot be at the expense of undercutting UK producers who have to jump through various ‘hoops’, notably assurance scheme ‘hoops’, around quality, welfare, the environment and food safety”.
The British Egg Industry Council has also said it was “concerned” about an increase in imported eggs coming into the UK below British Lion standards, particularly in foodservice, where the country of origin is less clear.
“We’re aware there has been some salmonella and quality issues associated with Ukrainian eggs in Europe, so we urge foodservice operators to check what they’re buying carefully, particularly if they are serving vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant women or older consumers,” said Mark Williams, British Egg Industry Council chairman.
Avangardco and Ovostar Union were approached for comment.
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