Portugal Eggs

FAQs

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Where does Portugal import eggs?

Portugal has a well-established egg production industry, especially in shell eggs. However, it regularly imports processed egg products and, occasionally, shell eggs to support manufacturing, foodservice, and retail demand.

Top sources of egg imports for Portugal:

• Spain – Portugal’s main trading partner, supplying shell and processed eggs with short transit times.
  
• France & Netherlands – Providers of high-quality processed egg products such as egg powder and liquid egg.
  
• Italy & Germany – Export value-added formats, including organic and specialty eggs.
  
• Poland – Offers cost-effective processed eggs used in food production.
  
• Brazil & United States – Non-EU suppliers of shelf-stable and certified egg products for industrial use.
  

Eggs Unlimited works with EU-approved producers and Portuguese importers to supply shell and processed eggs that are fully traceable and compliant.

To Learn more about working with international egg markets contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com.

Why does Portugal Import Eggs?

Portugal meets most of its retail shell egg demand domestically, but imports remain vital for industrial processing, food production, and specialized product formats.

Key reasons for importing eggs:

• Food Industry Requirements
  Portugal’s bakery, confectionery, and ready-meal sectors depend on liquid and powdered egg products that are pasteurized and standardized.
  
• Seasonal Demand
  Holiday seasons such as Easter, Christmas, and summer can increase consumption, leading to short-term import needs.
  
• Product Certifications & Specifications
  Imported eggs help meet buyer requirements for organic, free-range, or BRCGS-certified products, particularly for export-driven food producers.
  
• EU Market Integration
  Proximity to Spain and the rest of the EU enables seamless cross-border movement of eggs, especially when demand surges.

What makes eggs in Portugal compliant?

Eggs sold in Portugal must follow European Union food safety laws, as well as Portuguese national regulations for food labeling, traceability, and product handling.

Regulatory Bodies:

• Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica (ASAE) – National food safety and inspection authority
  
• Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV) – Responsible for veterinary certification and animal health
  
• European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Sets harmonized food safety policies across the EU
  

Required Documentation:

• Veterinary Health Certificate (from the country of origin)
  
• Certificate of Origin
  
• Microbiological and chemical safety reports
  
• Full product traceability under EU law
  
• Labeling in Portuguese (for retail and B2B sale)
  

Labeling Requirements (in Portuguese):

• Product name and egg type (e.g., Clara de Ovo Pasteurizada)
  
• Net weight or volume
  
• Country of origin
  
• Production and expiration dates
  
• Storage instructions
  
• Lot or batch number
  
• Importer/distributor name and contact
  
• Applicable certifications (EU Organic, Halal, etc.)

How much do eggs cost in Portugal?

Egg pricing in Portugal depends on feed costs, EU market trends, production format, and seasonal consumption habits.

Key price factors:

• Feed Ingredient Costs
  Inputs like maize and soybean meal affect local production costs and impact shell egg pricing.
  
• Supply & Demand Balance
  Peak holiday seasons often cause price increases, especially for retail eggs and egg products used in baking.
  
• Product Type & Certification
  Organic, free-range, and processed eggs (powder, liquid, frozen) come at a premium due to specialized production requirements.
  
• Transport & Logistics
  Shipping from EU countries is cost-efficient, but imports from the U.S. or Latin America may carry higher logistics and customs costs.

To receive real-time pricing or bulk quotes for the Portugal market, contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com .

Common egg carton sizing in the Portugal

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 Portugal 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 Portugal 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 Portugal?

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

To successfully sell eggs in Portugal, companies must comply with EU and Portuguese food safety laws, understand local buyer expectations, and work with reliable distribution partners.

How to enter or expand in Portugal:

1. Export from EU-Certified Facilities
   
   • Eggs Unlimited only ships from facilities approved by EU and Portuguese authorities.
     
2. Meet ASAE & DGAV Requirements
   
   • Ensure all products are pre-approved with veterinary certificates, traceability documentation, and Portuguese-language labeling.
     
3. Target Major Buyer Segments
   
   • Food Manufacturers – Use processed eggs for baked goods, sauces, and desserts.
     
   • Retail Chains – Buy shell and specialty eggs for consumer-facing SKUs.
     
   • Foodservice & Hospitality – Rely on liquid or frozen eggs for ease of use and food safety.
     
   • Wholesalers – Distribute bulk egg products to restaurants, bakeries, and institutional kitchens.
     
4. Attend Local Trade Fairs
   
   • SISAB Portugal (Lisbon) – The largest food and beverage trade show in the country
     
   • Alimentaria & Horexpo Lisboa – Connects food suppliers with HoReCa and retail professionals
     
   • Ovibeja – Focuses on agriculture and food innovation, including animal product sourcing
     

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

EGG CERTIFICATIONS IN Portugal 

Eggs imported or sold in Portugal must comply with both mandatory EU regulations and any buyer-specific certifications required in B2B or retail transactions.

Required Certifications:

• Veterinary Health Certificate
  
• Certificate of Origin
  
• Product safety analysis (microbiological and chemical)
  
• EU-compliant traceability documentation
  
• Portuguese-language labeling
  
• Organic certification (when applicable)
  

Preferred Certifications:

Halal Certification – Requested by certain hospitality groups and international buyers

BRCGS / IFS – Preferred for retail and export-focused manufacturers

ISO 22000 / HACCP – Required by most industrial buyers and processors

EU Organic – For organic-labeled retail SKUs

GlobalG.A.P. – Helps meet sustainability and animal welfare standards

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 Portugal 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