The Easter weekend is approaching and the situation in Finland is critical. Finnish media have reported in recent days that the most important element of the Easter table, eggs, is now conspicuous by its absence. For the newspaper Hufvudstadsbladet, a trader describes poor availability and says the range "will not be as wide as it usually is".
For Sweden, which has also suffered egg shortages at times, the situation is different, Kronägg's CEO Marcus Lindström tells TT.
Easter is always very special because there are high volumes in a short time. It's really an impossible equation for the egg industry to solve - we don't have more egg volumes just because it's Easter.
Should consumers be worried about empty shelves in Sweden?
No, there is no shortage. There will be Swedish eggs to meet demand. Then there may be certain varieties or sizes that run out, but overall things look good.
Several factors
In Finland, several factors contribute to the vulnerable situation. Rising beef prices are believed to have contributed to increased consumption of eggs as a substitute for protein. A greater appetite is also noticeable in Sweden, says Marcus Lindström.
We don't really know what it's all about, but it could definitely be part of it - a lack of other animal proteins. In Sweden, we also have a bit of a shortage of chicken meat, so that could be something to do with it.
Another reason is increased exports of eggs. According to Hufvudstadsbladet, exports rose eight percent last year and there are signs they will increase further this year as producers are paid better abroad than at home.
Egg imports
It was also recently reported that US authorities have approached Denmark and Sweden with requests to import eggs due to an egg shortage as a result of bird flu. This in turn has meant that 40 million animals have been killed, and soaring egg prices have become a political issue, with President Donald Trump blaming his representative Joe Biden.
However, a few Swedish eggs on American Easter tables are not an option, Marcus Lindström says:
No, no exports there and very few exports in general from Sweden, even to other parts of Europe. We try, as far as possible, to satisfy the Swedish market with eggs.
