For food manufacturers, this research indicates that adopting cage-free eggs presents a significant opportunity to enhance consumer perceptions of their products. In fact, numerous food companies have already committed to changing their egg supply. For instance, Nestle announced in 2015 that all eggs used in its U.S. products would be sourced from cage-free hens by 2020. Other major companies, including Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s, have also pledged to utilize 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 egg demand in the U.S., yet only about 10% of eggs sold currently are cage-free.
This discrepancy could pose challenges. While advocates celebrate these pledges as a victory for animal welfare, the chicken industry has cautioned that raising chickens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs—around $40 per bird. Additionally, with the majority of consumers still opting for the least expensive eggs at grocery stores, producers who transition to cage-free eggs are experiencing fierce competition from suppliers of cheaper eggs from caged hens.
In the long run, the promises made by the food industry are likely to make the shift to cage-free eggs more profitable for producers. For example, McDonald’s alone accounts for 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States, necessitating a consistent supply. Meanwhile, some brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a distinguishing feature and a mark of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a condiment maker based in New York that was recently acquired by Unilever.
Moreover, as consumers become more aware of the benefits of products like calcium citrate 400 mg in Pakistan, the demand for humane and sustainable food sources is expected to grow. This trend could further encourage egg producers to adopt cage-free practices, aligning with consumer preferences and enhancing overall product quality.