Cage-Free Egg Market

Cage-Free Egg Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

Worldwide revenue from the cage-free egg market is estimated at US$ 5.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.5% to reach US$ 8.97 billion by 2034.

Demand for cage-free eggs is being driven by concerns expressed by animal rights activists over human interference with natural nesting behaviors and animal abuse. Regardless of whether they are battery or 'enriched' versions, laying hens are kept in cages in the present commercial procedures. These devices physically imprison birds and limit their fundamental natural behavior, which negatively impacts their psychological well-being and increases the likelihood that they may contract illnesses from one another.

Organic eggs are sometimes referred to as 'cage-free' or 'free-range' eggs. It is made by feeding chickens organic and natural feed. Compared to conventional eggs, organic eggs are higher in nutrients and have a higher amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Considering the alternative to conventional, mass-produced caged chicken eggs, this aspect is anticipated to support the growth of the worldwide market for organic eggs. The USDA states that hens raised only on an organic diet are required to produce organic eggs. Feed that is free of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, animal wastes, and other chemical additions is referred to as organic feed. It is not appropriate to feed genetically engineered food to hens.

Hens may live a normal and healthy existence in well-designed cage-free housing, directly affecting eggs' quality. A large number of animal welfare organizations have raised awareness of this cruel method of farming that involves keeping chickens in cages.

• World Animal Protection, a global animal protection group, issued a vow in 2020 pleading with customers to end the misery of chickens kept in cages.
• Similarly, to draw attention to the problems with laying hens, ISPCA and Eurogroup for Animals and Compassion in World Farming arranged the 'End the Cage Age' exhibition in Dublin in 2019. Currently, almost 700,000 EU people are supporting the initiative.

The desire for cruelty-free and environmentally friendly products has resulted from growing awareness of animal welfare, and this choice is projected to fuel demand for cage-free eggs globally, leading to cage-free egg market growth.

Report Attribute	Detail
Cage-Free Egg Market Size (2024E)	US$ 5.79 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 8.97 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.5% CAGR
Canada Market Value (2034F)	US$ 384.5 Million
South Korea Market Value (2034F)	US$ 261 Million
North America Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.8% CAGR
East Asia Market Share (2034F)	25.2%
Key Companies Profiled	Avril Group; Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.; Eggland's Best, LLC; Farm Pride Foods Ltd.; Granja Agas SA; Herbruck's Poultry Ranch, Inc.; Hickman's Family Farms; Hillandale Farms; Kuramochi Sangyo Co., Ltd.; Lintz Hall Farm; Midwest Poultry Services L.P.; Pazo de Vilane S.L.; Rembrandt Enterprises, Inc.; Rose Acre Farms; Sparboe Companies; St Ewe Free Range Eggs LLP; Sunny Queen Farms Pty Ltd.; The Lakes Free Range Egg Co. Ltd.; Trillium Farm Holdings, LLC; Weaver Egg.

What are the Main Reasons Driving Consumption of Cage-Free Eggs?

“Increased Animal Welfare Awareness and Rising Consumer Demand for Ethical Products”

Concern for animal welfare has significantly increased during the last 10 years. Animal organizations are forming themselves and waging campaigns against manufacturers of poultry and eggs, which has prompted many firms to develop programs for the welfare of farm animals. The European market for cage-free eggs had a notable surge following the collaboration of egg producers with animal welfare organizations.

The lives of chickens have been found to affect their health and alter the nutritional content of their eggs. Studies show that since cage-free eggs contain larger, deeper orange yolks–which are known to have greater fatty acid levels without changing cholesterol levels–than regular cage-reared eggs, they taste better. Consequently, driving the market's CAGR.

In contrast to developing countries, European countries have an elevated sensitivity to animal welfare. Large producers must match retailer demand even if it is more expensive to produce and maintain cage-free eggs. Producers have opted for cage-free egg production over conventional caged production due to this demand. Government pressure to convert to producing cage-free eggs has increased the money generated by the cage-free egg market.

“Government Support for Enhanced Egg Production”

The surroundings of the chickens living without cages are unlike those of traditional agricultural practices. Within the open interior facilities, the laying hens are free to roam around. These chickens roam freely in the designated space that has been made for them; they are not kept in cages. Chickens without cages have a higher chance of producing eggs of superior quality than hens in cages.

The quality of the eggs produced from laying eggs in open indoor areas is quite high, which significantly increases the market growth rate even though the productivity is not comparable to that of conventional procedures. Furthermore, government support in the form of expenditures to raise the quality of eggs produced with cutting-edge machinery in addition to conventional production methods is expected to benefit cage-free egg providers.

Government assistance in the form of expenditures to produce eggs using conventional methods and the newest technology is expected to contribute to cage-free egg market size expansion. The method used to produce eggs without cages is quite similar to the conventional ways; however, the laying hens are restricted to the area in which they are free to roam. The growing popularity of letting chickens fly around and deposit their eggs in nests–a major alternative that is considerably superior to battery cages–is probably going to drive the market's growth rate throughout.

What is Limiting the Profits of Market Players?

“Increased Labor Requirements and Higher Cost of Cage-Free Production”

A comparatively tiny portion of cage production is devoted to cage-free chickens. On the other hand, unrestricted space and the upkeep of an atmosphere the hens are used to are necessary for the production of hens kept in cages. It should require 10 times as much labor to produce cage-free eggs as it does to tend to ground-roaming hens.

There is a risk of losing hens since they are allowed to roam over farms and agroforestry regions, and their eggs are not location-specific. Growth hormones and other supplements are frequently injected into hens kept in battery cages, and they are frequently fed wholesome food that is not normally consumed by chickens.

To fulfill the market's daily demands, these hens produce more eggs. Compared to caged eggs, which are produced in lesser quantities and sold for a significantly greater price, they are simpler to make. These all operate as roadblocks to the expansion of the worldwide market for cage-free eggs.

Country-wise Evaluation

With the increasing awareness of health issues, more people are switching to healthy diets and understanding the ill effects of junk food. This has increased the demand for cage-free food in many countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and China. The United States is standing tall with a significant cage-free egg market share in North America.

Which Country is Enticing Suppliers to Establish Their Businesses?

“Rising Demand for Desiring Ethically Produced Food in United States”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 970.8 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.7% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.39 Billion

Growing consumer interest in food produced responsibly. Consumers are becoming more conscious of animal welfare and are basing their purchases on the production and sourcing practices of food goods. Since typical cage systems significantly restrict the normal activities of chickens, such as walking, nesting, and flapping their wings, many view cage-free eggs as a more ethical alternative than eggs from hens kept in cages.

How are Manufacturers Maximizing Their Profits in China?

“Regulatory Support and Consumer Advocacy for Ethical Treatment of Animals”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 985.6 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.58 Billion

Growing public and governmental support for the treatment of animals more humanely presents a substantial opportunity for the cage-free egg market. Governments and regulatory organizations worldwide are progressively putting into place and upholding norms and laws that advance the well-being of farm animals, particularly egg-laying hens, as public awareness of animal welfare rises. Because of the fairer playing field, this legal framework is fostering, cage-free egg production is starting to become the standard rather than the exception.

Many areas have already enacted laws that ban or gradually phase out traditional battery cages, requiring the use of more compassionate substitutes such as cage-free systems.

Category-wise Evaluation

The market is segmented into various categories including color and size. Based on size, the market is divided into medium, large, extra-large, and jumbo.

Why are Brown-Colored Eggs Becoming Increasingly Popular Among Consumers?

“Perception of Superior Quality and Health Benefits of Brown Eggs”

Attribute	Brown Eggs
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 4.05 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 6.09 Billion

Consumer demand for brown-colored eggs is one reason cage-free eggs are becoming more and more popular. It has been noted that a large portion of the population prefers and desires brown eggs. The earthy, rich colors of brown eggs appear to entice people, and they are thought to be of superior quality. The idea that brown eggs are healthier and more organic has been linked to the preference for them. As a result, for many customers who are conscientious about their egg intake, brown cage-free eggs have emerged as the preferred option.

Why are Large Eggs Preferred by Most Consumers Over Other Sizes?

“Large Size Eggs Providing Versatility for Cooking and Baking”

Attribute	Large Size
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 2.35 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 3.55 Billion

Egg sizes purchased by consumers vary, but large eggs are particularly popular among the available options. When shopping for eggs, consumers often choose the large size due to its versatility for various cooking and baking needs. Additionally, some people prefer larger eggs for their perceived value. Despite the range of sizes offered, large eggs remain the top choice for many and are becoming a significant cage-free egg market trend.

Business Competition

Key players in the cage-free egg industry are actively focusing on launching new product lines including egg yolk lecithin and egg products.

• For around US$ 110 million, Cal Maine Foods, Inc. successfully purchased the assets of ISE America Inc. in 2024. With the greatest shell egg production and processing facilities, ISE America can currently produce over 1 million cage-free eggs. These ISE America Inc. factories can make use of Cal Maine Foods, Inc.'s product portfolio throughout many nations.
• NestFresh recently increased the number of pasture-raised eggs in its lineup and added a variety of hard-boiled eggs in September 2021. Eggs farmed on grass that is organic, free of genetically modified organisms, and reared without soy are available in 12-packs made of plastic or paste. Organic hard-boiled eggs are packaged in six-unit bags, whereas cage-free hard-boiled eggs are available in packs of two, twelve-two, six, and eight.

Fact.MR provides detailed information about the price points of key cage-free egg manufacturers positioned across the world, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in this new market report.

Key Segments of Cage-Free Egg Market Research

• By Color :

  • Brown
  • White

• By Size :

  • Medium
  • Large
  • Extra Large
  • Jumbo

• By Distribution Channel :

  • Storage-Based
  • Non-Store Based

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Eastern Europe
  • Western Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa