This study indicates that for food manufacturers, adopting cage-free eggs could significantly enhance consumer perception of their products. Numerous food companies have already pledged to transition 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 players in the industry, including Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s, have similarly committed to 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 represent around 70% of U.S. egg demand, while only about 10% of eggs sold in the country are currently cage-free.
This gap poses a potential issue. While advocates celebrate these commitments as a triumph for animal welfare, the chicken industry has cautioned that raising chickens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs—approximately $40 per bird. Additionally, with the majority of consumers still choosing the most affordable eggs at grocery stores, egg producers transitioning to cage-free options face fierce competition from suppliers of cheaper eggs from caged hens.
In the long run, however, the pledges made by the food industry are likely to render the shift 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 of cage-free eggs. Furthermore, some brands are already leveraging humane egg production as a unique selling point and a hallmark of quality, like New York-based condiment maker Sir Kensington’s, which has recently been acquired by Unilever.
As we advance further into the 21st century, the demand for ethically sourced products, such as cage-free eggs, is expected to grow. This shift may align with other health-conscious trends, such as the increasing popularity of supplements like calcium plus D3, which emphasize the importance of nutrition in consumer choices. Ultimately, the transition towards cage-free eggs could also intersect with broader dietary trends, including the consumption of fortified products, as consumers become more aware of the quality and ethical implications of their food sources.