Italy Eggs

FAQs

---

Where does italy import eggs?

Italy is both a producer and importer of eggs. Imports are often used to meet demand for processed products and to maintain price stability.

Top egg product suppliers to Italy include:

• Netherlands – A major EU exporter of powdered and liquid eggs, widely used in food processing.
  
• Spain & France – Reliable sources of both shell eggs and processed products.
  
• Poland & Germany – Low-cost producers of eggs and egg ingredients.
  
• United States – Supplier of egg powder and liquid egg for industrial use (FDA & USDA approved).
  

Eggs Unlimited partners with certified suppliers across the EU and beyond, helping Italian businesses access reliable, compliant products.

These sources allow Italy to maintain a steady supply of eggs to meet the needs of its population. To Learn more about working with international egg markets contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com.

Why Does Italy Import Eggs?

Italy has a strong domestic egg industry, but there are several reasons why imports remain critical:

• Food Industry Demand – Italy’s renowned pasta, bakery, and dessert sectors rely heavily on liquid and powdered eggs for industrial production.
  
• Seasonal Gaps & Supply Shocks – Imports help stabilize prices during disease outbreaks (like avian influenza) or hot summers that reduce productivity.
  
• Organic and Specialty Eggs – Imports can fill gaps in the availability of free-range, organic, and Omega-3 enriched eggs.
  
• Price Optimization – In some cases, international sourcing is more cost-effective due to feed and production differences.

What makes eggs in Italy compliant?

Eggs sold in Italy must comply with EU and national regulations, ensuring high standards in food safety, traceability, and animal welfare. Eggs Unlimited is experienced in meeting all compliance criteria for Italy-bound shipments.

1. Food Safety & Traceability

• Eggs must meet the standards under EU Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 for hygiene in products of animal origin.
  
• Must be Salmonella-free, with verification from the country of origin (EU or non-EU).
  
• Farms and plants must comply with HACCP and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
  

2. Egg Classification & Labelling

All eggs must be labeled in compliance with EU Regulation (EC) No 589/2008, including:

• Class A (Fresh Eggs) – Retail sale, no washing or chemical treatment allowed.
  
• Class B (Industrial Use) – For manufacturing of food products.
  
• Eggs must be stamped with:
  
  • Production method code (0 = organic, 1 = free-range, 2 = barn, 3 = caged)
    
  • Country code (e.g., IT for Italy, NL for Netherlands)
    
  • Farm ID
    

Packaging must show:

• Name and address of the packer
  
• Best-before date
  
• Storage conditions
  
• Weight category (XL, L, M, S)
  
• Quality grade
  

3. Organic, Animal Welfare & Specialty Certifications

• EU Organic Certification – Required for all organic eggs sold in Italy.
  
• Animal Welfare Labels – Growing demand for “benessere animale” (animal welfare) certified products.
  
• HALAL & KOSHER – Required by select buyers in the Halal food sector or specialty markets.
  

Eggs Unlimited ensures full traceability and compliance for eggs and egg products imported into Italy.

How much do eggs cost in Italy?

Egg prices in Italy vary by region, time of year, egg type, and supply conditions.

Key factors affecting egg prices in Italy:

1. Feed Costs
   Italy imports much of its poultry feed (corn and soy). Global commodity prices have a direct impact on farm-level costs.
   
2. Energy & Transport
   Rising fuel and electricity prices increase distribution and cold storage expenses.
   
3. Labor & Production Costs
   Compliance with EU labor laws, equipment, veterinary care, and facility upgrades (e.g., cage-free conversion) impact cost structures.
   
4. Seasonal Supply Fluctuations
   Summer heat reduces egg laying. Prices often increase in autumn and winter months.
   
5. Consumer Demand
   There is increasing demand in Italy for organic, free-range, and locally produced eggs, especially in northern regions.
   
6. EU Trade Dynamics
   Italy benefits from tariff-free imports within the EU. However, exports or imports from non-EU countries are subject to strict vet and customs checks.
   
7. Retail Preferences
   Major Italian retailers (Coop, Esselunga, Conad) often prefer branded, high-welfare products, influencing product mix and pricing.
   

For bulk pricing and load-specific quotes, contact Eggs Unlimited at eusales@eggsunlimited.com.

Common egg carton sizing in the Italy

Carton Size

Number of Eggs

Typical Use

4 Egg Carton	4 eggs	Small cartons designed for premium products, often organic or heritage eggs. Exotic eggs as well.
Half Dozen	6 eggs	Most commonly sold size for households. Widely available in all egg types (free-range, organic, barn, etc.).

10 Egg Carton	10 eggs	The most widely used carton size for everyday retail. Eggs are arranged in a 2×5 layout.
Dozen	12 eggs	Popular size for larger households or frequent egg users. Available in most supermarkets.

15-Pack

15 eggs

Larger size, often for families or budget-conscious buyers. Common in discount supermarkets

18-Pack

18 eggs

Sold less frequently but available at some retailers, often marketed to bulk buyers.

30-Pack (Tray)

30 eggs

Typically sold in trays, often seen in wholesale markets (e.g., Costco) or for professional use (bakeries, catering, etc.).

Eggs in Italy are categorized by weight rather than physical dimensions. Cartons are typically labeled with the egg size, and a single carton may include eggs of a specific size category:

Category	Weight per Egg (grams)
Extra Large (XL)	73g or more
Large (L)	63g–72g
Medium (M)	53g–62g
Small (S)	Less than 53g

Wholesale eggs or bulk egg packaging by the case

The number of eggs in a case can vary depending on the type and size of the eggs, as well as the packaging standards of the producer or distributor. The most common case sizes for chicken eggs are:

• 5-Dozen Case: There are 5 dozen (60 eggs) in a 5-dozen case.
• 10-Dozen Case: While less common, you might also find 10-dozen cases, which contain 120 eggs.
• 15-Dozen Case: Each dozen contains 12 eggs, so there are 15 dozen or 180 eggs. in a 15-dozen case.
• 30-Dozen Case: Each dozen contains 12 eggs, so there are 30 dozen or 360 eggs. in a 30-dozen case.
• 720 Egg Pallet: (24 Trays of 30 Eggs) Palletized packaging for very large buyers or distributors.

Types of Eggs

Eggs in Italy are categorized by production method and farming practices, with some labels catering to specific consumer preferences:

• Conventional Eggs:
  • White Eggs
  • Brown Eggs
    • Produced by caged hens in large-scale facilities. These are the most affordable and widely available.
• Egg Products
  • Used by food manufacturers, bakeries, and restaurants. Includes:
  • Liquid Eggs: Pasteurized egg whites, yolks, or whole eggs.
  • Powdered Eggs: Dehydrated eggs for long shelf life and industrial use.
  • Frozen Eggs: Used for large-scale food production.
• Free-Range Eggs: Laid by hens that roam freely outdoors or in open barns, catering to consumers who prioritize animal welfare.
• Organic Eggs: From hens fed organic feed and raised under strict organic farming guidelines. These are typically more expensive.
• Specialty Eggs

Contact Eggs Unlimited for any egg size or type of case load needed today!! eusales@eggsunlimited.com 

How to sell commercial eggs in Italy?

Selling commercial eggs in Italy requires compliance with food safety regulations, import approvals, and market demand strategies. The egg market in Italy is growing, with both domestic production and imports playing key roles in supply.

1. Understand the Italian Market

• High demand for quality, origin-certified, and welfare-compliant eggs.
  
• Processed eggs are in demand for pasta, bakery, pastry, and convenience foods.
  
• North and Central Italy have a greater share of organic and free-range egg buyers.
  

2. Ensure Regulatory Compliance

• Comply with EU egg marketing rules, FVO inspections, and Italian Ministry of Health requirements.
  
• Imported products must come from EU-approved farms and include veterinary certification.
  

3. Build Relationships with Buyers

• Target retail chains (Coop, Conad, Carrefour Italia), foodservice suppliers, and manufacturers.
  
• Trade shows like Cibus, TuttoFood, and Marca Bologna are key for buyer networking.
  

4. Provide Competitive & Compliant Offers

• Offer traceable, stamped, and EU-compliant eggs.
  
• Support with shelf-ready packaging, language-specific labeling, and custom volumes.
  

Contact Eggs Unlimited today for insight into the Italy egg market! eusales@eggsunlimited.com 

EGG CERTIFICATIONS IN Italy 

To access Italy’s egg market, the following certifications are commonly required or preferred:

Mandatory Certifications

• EU Egg Marketing Standards (EC No 589/2008)
  
• Veterinary Health Certificates for imports
  
• HACCP, ISO 22000, and GMP compliance
  

Specialty Certifications

IFS / BRCGS – For food processors and retail suppliers

EU Organic (Regulation EU 2018/848)

GlobalG.A.P.

Animal Welfare Certification (e.g., “Etichetta Benessere Animale”)

HALAL / KOSHER Certification

WHY EGGS UNLIMITED?

Eggs Unlimited is one of the leading global suppliers of conventional eggs. We have the experience and market knowledge to help save our customers time and money. We work with some of the largest egg producers, retailers, distributors, foodservice organizations, QSRs, and processors in the US and around the world. They trust us to provide competitive prices and take care of logistics from pickup to delivery. 

We act as an extension of our customers’ procurement or sales teams, creating value, providing solutions, and delivering promptly. The company is built on family values, and we strive to work harder than anyone in the industry to service the needs of our customers.

LET’S DISCUSS YOUR italy EGG STRATEGY!

Get in touch with the Eggs Unlimited Sales team to discover all your conventional egg options.

Call: 1-888-554-3977

E-mail: eusales@eggsunlimited.com