OVOS/CEPEA: Lent 2026 Sees Lowest Egg Prices Since 2023

According to the latest research from the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (CEPEA) at the University of São Paulo, despite the typical seasonal increase in egg prices during Lent due to consumers substituting red meat, the average price for eggs during this period in 2026 has reached its lowest point since 2023. This trend is particularly evident in Bastos, São Paulo, a major egg-producing hub. Data indicates that even with egg prices rising by up to 21% in March, which aligns with the seasonal pattern of Lent, the average price this year remains lower compared to the previous three years. CEPEA researchers noted that throughout 2025, egg prices generally trended downwards for most months. As a consequence of this movement, January 2026 recorded the lowest average price for that month in the past six years across several monitored regions. Thus, the egg market began 2026 on a weaker note, with prices generally below those observed in 2025. Although there were signs of price increases in February and March, this upward momentum was insufficient to reverse the overall subdued trend, keeping prices relatively low during the Lenten period.