This study indicates that food manufacturers have a significant opportunity to enhance consumers’ perception of their products by utilizing cage-free eggs. 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 be sourced from cage-free hens by 2020. Other industry leaders, including Mondelez, PepsiCo, Sodexo, and McDonald’s, have made similar pledges towards 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 the U.S. egg demand, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while only about 10% of eggs sold currently are cage-free.
This gap between supply and demand poses a challenge. Although advocates view these pledges as a step forward for improved animal welfare, the chicken industry warns that raising chickens in a cage-free environment incurs higher costs—around $40 per bird. Additionally, since most consumers still prefer the cheapest eggs available at grocery stores, egg producers who switch to cage-free varieties are facing stiff competition from suppliers of less expensive eggs from caged hens.
In the long run, the food industry’s commitments are likely to make the transition to cage-free eggs profitable for producers. For example, McDonald’s accounts for 3% of all eggs consumed in the United States, necessitating a reliable supply. Meanwhile, some brands are already differentiating themselves by emphasizing humane egg production as a hallmark of quality, such as Sir Kensington’s, a New York-based condiment maker recently acquired by Unilever.
Incorporating these trends into their business models may lead food manufacturers to consider the nutritional benefits of cage-free eggs, similar to how consumers view products like calcium citrate 500 mg tablets for their health advantages. As the market evolves, the focus on humane practices and quality may create new avenues for growth, aligning with consumer preferences for transparency and ethical sourcing—much like the growing demand for calcium citrate 500 mg tablets. Ultimately, the shift towards cage-free eggs reflects a broader change in consumer values, paralleling the increasing popularity of health-focused products like calcium citrate 500 mg tablets.