Retail egg sales (volume) has increased by +4 per cent, the equivalent of around 49 million eggs, compared to the same period last year, which itself was up 7 per cent on first quarter 2014 figures.

Andrew Joret, British Egg Industry Council Chairman, said: “Research shows that eggs are now seen by consumers as a healthy, nutrition packed and versatile food, and I’m delighted that sales are continuing to back this up. What’s even more exciting is that eggs are so in vogue that we’re confident that sales will continue to grow.

“You will find it hard to find a social media user not familiar with the craze for eggs and avocado, and with the results of the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) report, published in January, which concluded that British Lion eggs can safely be eaten runny, even by pregnant women, babies and elderly people, we’re expecting even more consumers to wake up to the benefits of eggs.”