South Africa Eggs

FAQs

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Where does South Africa import eggs?

South Africa is largely self-sufficient in egg production. However, imports of processed egg products (liquid, powdered, frozen) and, in rare cases, shell eggs occur during supply gaps or in response to food industry demand.

Top sources of egg imports to South Africa:

• European Union (Netherlands, Spain) – Key suppliers of pasteurised, specialty, and value-added egg products.
  
• United States – Supplies powdered eggs, frozen yolks, and long-shelf-life products.
  
• Brazil & Argentina – Offer competitively priced processed eggs for manufacturing and baking sectors.
  
• India & Thailand – Export Halal-certified and shelf-stable egg products to South Africa.
  
• United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Regional player for specialty and value-added items.
  

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

Why does South Africa Import Eggs?

While local egg production in South Africa is strong, imports of egg products help address industry-specific needs and supply fluctuations.

Key reasons:

• Manufacturing Demand
  Growing demand from bakeries, CPG manufacturers, and hospitality industries drives imports of powdered and liquid egg formats.
  
• Disease & Shortages
  Events like Avian Influenza or regional droughts can affect supply, prompting short-term imports to maintain availability.
  
• Specialty Products
  Products like organic, cage-free, or Halal-certified egg ingredients may not always be produced locally in sufficient volumes.
  
• Export-Oriented Production
  South African food producers exporting to the UK, EU, or Middle East often require certified, globally accepted ingredients.
  

Eggs Unlimited provides safe, certified, and cost-effective solutions for the South African market.

What makes eggs in South Africa compliant?

Egg imports must meet South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and Department of Health standards for both animal health and food safety.

1. Documentation Requirements:

• Import Permit issued by DALRRD
  
• Veterinary Health Certificate from country of origin
  
• Certificate of Origin
  
• Product Analysis Report (Microbiological and chemical safety)
  
• Product registration or approval by South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) for processed items
  

2. Labeling Requirements (in English or Afrikaans):

• Product name and format (e.g., Liquid Egg White, Egg Powder)
  
• Country of origin
  
• Net weight
  
• Production & expiration dates
  
• Name and address of importer/distributor
  
• Batch/lot number
  
• Storage conditions
  
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Halal, Organic)

How much do eggs cost in South Africa?

Egg pricing in South Africa is influenced by input costs, regional supply, exchange rates, and global commodity markets.

Primary cost drivers:

• Feed Inputs
  Prices for maize and soya beans (main components of layer hen feed) fluctuate, directly affecting production costs.
  
• Transport & Logistics
  South Africa’s vast geography means regional distribution costs vary widely.
  
• Seasonality
  Demand peaks during holiday periods, Easter, and year-end festive seasons, affecting prices.
  
• Industrial Use
  Processed egg prices are influenced by format (powder vs. liquid), shelf life, and certification (e.g., Halal, Organic).

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

Common egg carton sizing in the South Africa

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 South Africa 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 South Africa 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 South Africa?

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

To succeed in South Africa’s commercial egg market, sellers must ensure compliance, certification, and strong local partnerships.

Key steps:

1. Meet DALRRD & SAHPRA Requirements
   
   • Export only from certified facilities
     
   • Provide veterinary and food safety documentation
     
   • Comply with import regulations for shelf-stable and processed products
     
2. Target High-Volume Buyers
   
   • Food manufacturers – Egg powder, pasteurised liquid eggs
     
   • Retail chains – Packaged shell eggs, co-branded lines
     
   • Hotels & catering – Bulk-format processed eggs
     
   • Government & institutions – Long-term contract supply for schools, hospitals, correctional facilities
     
3. Participate in Industry Events
   
   • Africa’s Big 7 (Johannesburg) – Major FMCG and food trade show
     
   • NAMPO Harvest Day (Bothaville) – Agriculture and food innovation
     
   • SAITEX – Cross-border B2B trade, ideal for pan-African partnerships
     

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

EGG CERTIFICATIONS IN South Africa 

Required:

• Veterinary Health Certificate
  
• DALRRD Sanitary Import Permit
  
• Certificate of Origin
  
• Traceability label (in English or Afrikaans)
  
• Product safety testing (where applicable)
  

Preferred:

GlobalG.A.P. for traceability & sustainability

HACCP / ISO 22000

Halal Certification

EU Organic or USDA Organic (for premium categories)

BRCGS or IFS (preferred by multinational buyers)

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 south african 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