EGG sales have increased for the 10th year in succession, with retail volume sales having grown by 1.5bn eggs, during this time.

The figures, from British Lion eggs also show that retail sales improved by almost 5% in 2016, or by an extra 250m eggs, due to a particularly strong second half of the year in which volume sales increased by 6% on the 2015 figures.

Market value was also bolstered, rising by 6% in the second half of 2016 with the overall year finishing 3% up on the previous year.

Consumption also increased by 2% in 2016, to 12,509m eggs, which against total UK production figures of 10,348m eggs for the year and exports of 118m saw imports of 1980m. As a result, the UK remains 85% self sufficient in eggs

According to the British Egg Industry Council, egg sales have improved as they are being seen as a healthy breakfast food.

Retail sales have been driven by free range with sales up by more than 11% (340m additional eggs), as consumers continue to trade up. Organic eggs also saw significant growth, up by 16%, albeit from a very small base.