Egg production systems range from caged to extensive free-range, with significant welfare differences between production methods that are often misunderstood by consumers.
Egg welfare is one of the most tractable consumer welfare issues because strong labelling, clear tier differentiation, and significant retail commitments have shifted market composition. Consumer understanding drives retailer behaviour in this commodity product. Continued consumer preference for cage-free and higher welfare eggs accelerates the transition away from colony cage systems and toward genuinely welfare-positive production across the sector.