This study indicates that for food manufacturers, adopting cage-free eggs presents a significant opportunity to enhance consumers’ perceptions of their products. In fact, numerous food companies have already committed to altering their egg supply. For instance, Nestle announced in 2015 that all eggs used in its U.S. products would be sourced from cage-free hens by 2020. Other industry leaders, such as Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s, have also pledged their commitment 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 both manufacturers and retailers account for approximately 70% of U.S. egg demand, while only around 10% of eggs sold in the U.S. today are cage-free.
This gap between supply commitments and actual sales could pose challenges. While advocates celebrate these pledges as a victory for enhanced animal welfare, the chicken industry has cautioned that raising chickens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs—approximately $40 per bird. Moreover, since the majority of consumers continue to choose the least expensive eggs at the grocery store, egg producers transitioning to cage-free options face fierce competition from suppliers of cheaper eggs from caged hens.
In the long run, however, the commitments made by the food industry are likely to make the transition to cage-free eggs financially viable for producers. For example, McDonald’s alone represents 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States, necessitating a dependable supply. At the same time, some brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a distinguishing feature and a mark of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a condiment manufacturer based in New York that was recently acquired by Unilever.
Interestingly, as consumers become more health-conscious, questions arise about various dietary factors, including whether calcium citrate lowers blood pressure. As food manufacturers continue to adapt to consumer preferences, incorporating insights on health benefits, like those related to calcium citrate, could further enhance their product appeal. In summary, the shift toward cage-free eggs not only addresses animal welfare concerns but may also align with consumer interests in health-related benefits, including the potential impact of calcium citrate on blood pressure.