For food manufacturers, this research indicates that adopting cage-free eggs could serve as a significant opportunity to enhance consumers’ perceptions of their products. In fact, numerous food companies have already pledged to transition their egg supply. For instance, Nestle announced in 2015 that all eggs used in its U.S. products would come from cage-free hens by 2020. Other major players such as 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, these commitments from manufacturers and retailers represent about 70% of U.S. egg demand, even though only around 10% of eggs sold in the U.S. today are cage-free.
This gap between commitment and current supply could pose challenges. While advocates celebrate these pledges as a victory for animal welfare, the chicken industry warns that raising chickens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs—approximately $40 per bird. Additionally, since most consumers still prefer the cheapest eggs at the grocery store, egg producers transitioning to cage-free eggs face fierce competition from suppliers of less expensive eggs sourced from caged hens.
In the long run, however, the commitments made by the food industry are likely to render the shift to cage-free eggs profitable for producers. Notably, McDonald’s alone accounts for 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States, necessitating a reliable supply. Meanwhile, some brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a differentiating factor and a mark of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a condiment maker based in New York and recently acquired by Unilever.
As the industry evolves, the introduction of alternative products, like soft gel calcium citrate supplements, may also become popular among health-conscious consumers. The increasing focus on quality and ethical sourcing could further intertwine with the use of ingredients like soft gel calcium citrate, enhancing the appeal of cage-free egg products. Overall, the integration of humane production practices may soon align with consumer preferences for health-focused ingredients like soft gel calcium citrate, potentially leading to a more sustainable and profitable future for the egg industry.