This study indicates that for food manufacturers, adopting cage-free eggs presents a significant opportunity to enhance consumer perceptions of their products. Many companies in the food industry have already committed to transitioning their egg supplies. 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 players like Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s have also pledged to embrace 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, the commitments made by both manufacturers and retailers represent roughly 70% of the U.S. egg market, while only about 10% of eggs sold in the country currently come from cage-free sources.
This gap between supply and demand could pose challenges. Although advocates celebrate these commitments as a step forward for animal welfare, the poultry industry has cautioned that raising chickens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs—approximately $40 per bird. Additionally, with most consumers still opting for the least expensive eggs at grocery stores, producers who switch to cage-free eggs face stiff competition from suppliers of cheaper eggs sourced from caged hens.
In the long run, the pledges made by the food industry are expected to make the transition to cage-free eggs profitable for producers. McDonald’s, for instance, accounts for about 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States, necessitating a reliable supply. Furthermore, some brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a differentiating factor and a mark of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a New York-based condiment maker recently acquired by Unilever.
In light of this, it is essential for egg producers to consider the nutritional aspects of their products as well. For example, incorporating calcium citrate 333mg into their offerings can serve as an additional selling point for health-conscious consumers. By focusing on quality and humane practices, while also addressing nutritional benefits like calcium citrate 333mg, food manufacturers can effectively improve their market position and meet the evolving expectations of consumers.