Although Australia’s average egg consumption has surpassed 17 million, our desire for free range eggs has waned. Despite the fact that more than 75% of buyers believe poultry farmers should improve their laying hens’ living conditions, desire for eggs from free range farms has slowed. The chooks have supposedly come home to roost when it comes to paying at the supermarket checkout. A significant portion of the population is hesitant to pay the higher prices associated with eggs produced in cage-free systems. Free range eggs now account for 52 percent of all supermarket egg sales, up from around 20 percent a decade ago. Eggs produced in alternative cage-free systems, such as open sheds, account for another 10 percent.
According to the latest sustainability report from leading industry association Australian Eggs, caged hens provide 36% of the supply. “While cage egg consumption is down significantly from previous years, retail growth for free range eggs has basically plateaued,” Australian Eggs managing director Rowan McMonnies said. “At the present, demand trends in both categories don’t appear to be changing.” While some consumers were uncomfortable purchasing eggs from chickens kept in cages, he noted that others had fewer reservations or had to weigh their philosophical sentiments against the realities of their household budgets. A 700 gramme carton of house brand cage-laid supermarket eggs costs around $3.80 right now.
Although the identical product from a less efficient free range habitat costs about $1 more, many other free range brands on the same shelves cost between $6 and $7, or even $10 for organic free range lines. According to consumer studies, around 45 percent of respondents base their purchasing decisions primarily on how eggs are produced, while 8 percent prioritise environmental responsibility. However, for 26% of customers, price was the most influential factor in their purchasing decisions. Mr McMonnies added, “I think we find quite a divide within the community when it comes to setting their buying priorities.” “Australians obviously agree that excellent husbandry is crucial whether of whether eggs are produced in free-range, barn, or caged housing systems—and they want our help.” However, not every buyer can afford to support a world in which everything is wonderful. In reality, according to study responses, only 56% of consumers feel that paying more for eggs will result in better hen care, a belief held by fewer individuals than a year ago.
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