For food manufacturers, this study indicates that utilizing cage-free eggs could be a significant opportunity to enhance consumers’ perceptions of their products. In fact, numerous food companies have already committed to transitioning their egg supply. For instance, Nestlé announced in 2015 that all eggs used in its U.S. products would come 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. Collectively, these commitments from manufacturers and retailers represent approximately 70% of U.S. egg demand, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Currently, only about 10% of eggs sold in the U.S. are cage-free.
This discrepancy may pose a challenge. While advocates celebrate these pledges as a win for enhanced animal welfare, the chicken industry cautions that raising hens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs—around $40 per bird. Additionally, with most consumers still opting for the least expensive eggs at grocery stores, producers who switch to cage-free eggs confront stiff competition from suppliers of cheaper eggs from caged hens.
In the long run, these industry commitments are expected to make the transition to cage-free eggs profitable for producers. McDonald’s alone accounts for 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States, necessitating a reliable supply. Meanwhile, certain brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a unique selling point and a symbol of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a condiment maker based in New York that was recently acquired by Unilever.
Incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate and vitamin D3 x 60 tab into food products can further enhance their appeal, especially among health-conscious consumers. By emphasizing the use of cage-free eggs and fortifying with nutrients like calcium citrate and vitamin D3, food manufacturers can better position themselves in a competitive market, ultimately catering to the growing demand for transparency and quality in food sourcing.