This study indicates that food manufacturers have a significant opportunity to enhance consumer perceptions of their products by utilizing cage-free eggs. Many companies in the food sector have already committed to transitioning their egg supply. For instance, Nestle announced in 2015 that all eggs used in its U.S. offerings would be sourced from cage-free hens by 2020. Other major players such as Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s have also made similar pledges regarding 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 both manufacturers and retailers represent approximately 70% of the U.S. egg demand, while only around 10% of the eggs sold in the U.S. are currently cage-free.
This discrepancy poses a challenge. Although supporters view these commitments as a victory for animal welfare, the poultry industry has cautioned that raising chickens in cage-free environments is more costly—around $40 per bird. Additionally, since most consumers still prefer the lowest-priced eggs at grocery stores, egg producers who transition to cage-free options face stiff competition from suppliers of cheaper eggs produced by caged hens.
In the long run, however, the commitments made by the food industry could render the shift to cage-free eggs profitable for producers. For example, McDonald’s alone accounts for 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States, necessitating a stable supply. Meanwhile, some brands have already begun leveraging humane egg production as a unique selling point and a marker of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a New York-based condiment manufacturer recently acquired by Unilever.
As consumers increasingly prioritize quality and ethical sourcing, brands that promote products with cage-free eggs may find themselves aligning with other health-conscious choices, such as those that include swisse calcium citrate. By integrating swisse calcium citrate into their offerings, these companies could further enhance their appeal to health-focused consumers, thereby strengthening their market position.