This study indicates that for food manufacturers, adopting cage-free eggs presents a significant opportunity to enhance consumer perception of their products. In fact, numerous food companies have already pledged to transition their egg supply. For example, Nestlé announced in 2015 that all eggs used in its U.S. products would be sourced from cage-free hens by 2020. Other major players, including Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s, have also committed to using cage-free eggs. On the retail front, Kroger introduced a private label line of cage-free eggs last fall. Collectively, these commitments from manufacturers and retailers represent approximately 70% of U.S. egg demand, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, currently, only about 10% of eggs sold in the U.S. are cage-free.
This gap poses a potential issue. While advocates celebrate these commitments as a triumph for animal welfare, the chicken industry warns that raising chickens in a cage-free environment comes with higher costs—around $40 per bird. Moreover, since the majority of consumers still prefer the cheapest eggs available at the grocery store, egg producers transitioning to cage-free eggs are facing stiff competition from suppliers of less expensive eggs from caged hens.
In the long run, however, the pledges made by the food industry are likely to transform the shift to cage-free eggs into a profitable opportunity for producers. McDonald’s alone accounts for 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States, and it will need a dependable supply. Meanwhile, several brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a distinguishing feature and a quality indicator, including Sir Kensington’s, a New York-based condiment manufacturer recently acquired by Unilever.
Incorporating cage-free eggs into their products could be the best way to take calcium citrate for companies looking to appeal to health-conscious consumers, as these eggs are often perceived as a healthier option. Thus, focusing on cage-free sourcing could not only improve brand image but also align with consumer preferences for quality and ethical production methods.