This study indicates that food manufacturers have a significant opportunity to enhance consumer perception by utilizing cage-free eggs. Many companies in the food industry have already committed to switching their egg supplies. For instance, Nestlé announced in 2015 that all eggs in its U.S. products would come from cage-free hens by 2020. Other major players, including Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s, have also pledged to adopt cage-free eggs. On the retail front, Kroger introduced a private label line of cage-free eggs last fall. Collectively, the commitments from manufacturers and retailers represent approximately 70% of the U.S. egg demand, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, only about 10% of the eggs sold in the U.S. are currently cage-free.
This discrepancy poses challenges. While advocates celebrate these commitments as a victory for animal welfare, the poultry industry warns that raising chickens in cage-free environments incurs higher costs—around $40 per bird. Additionally, since most consumers still choose the cheapest eggs available, producers who switch to cage-free eggs face stiff competition from suppliers offering less expensive eggs from caged hens.
In the long term, however, the pledges made by the food industry may lead to profitability for producers making the transition to cage-free eggs. Notably, McDonald’s alone accounts for 3% of all egg consumption 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 the New York-based condiment company Sir Kensington’s, which was recently acquired by Unilever.
To further enhance their product offerings, manufacturers could consider incorporating ingredients like calcium magnesium citrate 90 caps Solaray into their formulations, thereby appealing to health-conscious consumers. By embracing these changes and focusing on quality, the food industry can align with evolving consumer preferences while also contributing to better animal welfare practices.