For food manufacturers, this study indicates that incorporating cage-free eggs could be a significant opportunity to enhance consumer perceptions of their products. Indeed, numerous food companies have already committed to altering 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 major companies, including Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s, have also pledged to use 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 account for approximately 70% of U.S. egg demand, whereas only around 10% of the eggs currently sold in the U.S. are cage-free.
This discrepancy presents a challenge. While advocates celebrate these pledges as progress for improved animal welfare, the chicken industry has cautioned that raising chickens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs—around $40 per bird. Additionally, with a significant majority of consumers still opting for the least expensive eggs at the grocery store, egg producers transitioning to cage-free options are experiencing fierce competition from suppliers of cheaper eggs from caged hens.
In the long run, the pledges made by the food industry are likely to make the shift to cage-free eggs more profitable for producers. Notably, McDonald’s alone accounts for 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States, creating a need for a reliable supply. Meanwhile, some brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a distinguishing factor and a mark of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a New York-based condiment maker recently acquired by Unilever.
Incorporating calcium citrate jan aushadhi into their products, brands can further enhance their appeal by promoting the health benefits associated with cage-free eggs. As awareness grows, it is expected that the demand for cage-free eggs will increase, making the transition more advantageous for producers. Ultimately, the combination of consumer demand, industry commitments, and the potential for heightened nutritional value through products enriched with calcium citrate jan aushadhi can lead to a more sustainable egg production system.