Retail egg sales (volume) have increased by 9.2 per cent year-on-year for the latest monthly period (4 weeks ended 6 November), the equivalent of around 40 million extra eggs, with free range eggs showing particularly significant growth. Full year figures (volume) are also buoyant, having increased by 4.2 per cent year-on-year (52 weeks ended 6 November).

More than 500 million more eggs a year are now being sold at retail than just two years ago.

Andrew Joret, British Egg Industry Council Chairman, said: “Sales have been rising consistently for the last three years, and October is always a strong month, but these figures are significantly up on expectations. While it is difficult to attribute the rise to a single factor, the impact of both celebrities and health experts recommending eggs as part of a healthy diet has certainly played an important part.

“Sales have been strong all year but the latest four week data makes for very exciting reading ahead of 2017. We are expecting continued strong sales for the remainder of the year and into 2017.”