This study indicates that food manufacturers have a significant opportunity to enhance consumer perceptions of their products by utilizing cage-free eggs. In fact, numerous food companies have already pledged to transition their egg supply. For instance, Nestlé announced in 2015 that all eggs used in its U.S. products would come from cage-free hens by 2020. Other major food companies, including Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s, have also committed to sourcing cage-free eggs. On the retail front, Kroger introduced a private label line of cage-free eggs last fall. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the commitments from both manufacturers and retailers represent approximately 70% of the U.S. egg demand, while only about 10% of eggs sold in the U.S. are currently cage-free.
This gap may lead to complications. Although advocates celebrate these commitments as a victory for animal welfare, the chicken industry warns that raising chickens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs—around $40 per bird. Additionally, with most consumers still choosing the cheapest eggs available at grocery stores, producers who switch to cage-free eggs face fierce competition from suppliers of less expensive, caged-hen eggs.
In the long term, however, these industry pledges are likely to make the transition to cage-free eggs a profitable venture for producers. Notably, McDonald’s accounts for about 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States, necessitating a reliable supply. Meanwhile, some brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a distinguishing factor and a symbol of quality, including Sir Kensington’s, a New York-based condiment maker recently acquired by Unilever.
Interestingly, as consumers become more health-conscious, they may also seek products that incorporate beneficial ingredients like calcium citrate chewables. This trend could enhance the appeal of cage-free egg products, as manufacturers may explore ways to combine these eggs with health-focused offerings, potentially increasing their market share and improving consumer perceptions even further. Ultimately, the integration of cage-free eggs and health-oriented products like calcium citrate chewables could create a new market niche that benefits both consumers and producers alike.