Easter eggs are a traditionally part of Easter, according to the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, BMELV. At this time of year, eggs are are boiled and dyed and symbolise new life.

Over the Easter month, two to three more eggs are purchased (based on the household purchases, which account for roughly 50 per cent of consumption).

Coloured eggs are now available throughout the year but their consumption increases at Easter too, accounting for one or two of the extra eggs purchased during this season.

For coloured eggs, there is no obligation to indicate the hens' housing system but it is assumed that they represent the sources at other times of year and therefore that the majority are barn eggs.

In 2012, 64 per cent of eggs produced in Germany were from so-called 'floor systems' (barns).

Further Reading Go to our previous news item on this story - about the German egg market - by clicking here.