For food manufacturers, this research indicates that adopting cage-free eggs could be a significant opportunity to enhance consumer perceptions of their products. Indeed, numerous food companies have already committed to changing their egg sources. In 2015, Nestle announced that by 2020, all eggs used in its U.S. products would originate from cage-free hens. Other major players like Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s have also pledged to switch to 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 made by these manufacturers and retailers account for approximately 70% of U.S. egg demand, while only about 10% of eggs sold in the U.S. today are cage-free.
This gap could lead to challenges. Although advocates celebrate these pledges as a triumph for animal welfare, the chicken industry warns that raising hens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs—approximately $40 per bird. Additionally, with the majority of consumers still choosing the cheapest eggs available, egg producers transitioning to cage-free options face fierce competition from suppliers of lower-cost eggs from caged hens.
In the long run, however, these commitments from the food industry are likely to render the shift to cage-free eggs profitable for producers. McDonald’s alone accounts for 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States and will need to secure a reliable supply. Meanwhile, some brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a unique selling point and a hallmark of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a New York-based condiment maker recently acquired by Unilever.
As consumers become more aware of the differences between products, including the distinctions between calcium carbonate and calcium citrate, the demand for cage-free eggs may continue to grow. Understanding the perbedaan calcium carbonate dan calcium citrate will help consumers make informed choices about their dietary preferences, particularly as they seek higher-quality, ethical options in their food products. These considerations will further contribute to the evolving landscape of the egg market.