The egg industry is ever-changing, with consumers driving significant changes. As we enter 2024, it’s it’s recommended for small farms to see how they can incorporate these new trends into their business model. This blog post will explore some of the emerging trends in the egg industry for the upcoming year and how your small egg business can capitalize on them.
1. The Rise of Organic Eggs:
Trend: Organic eggs have been on the rise for several years, and this trend is expected to continue into 2024. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and concerned about their food quality & how it is produced. They are willing to pay a higher price for eggs produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Capitalization: If your small egg business isn’t already producing organic eggs, consider making the switch. Organic certification can open doors to new markets and command higher prices. Focus on marketing the benefits of organic eggs, such as improved animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and superior taste. Learn more about the USDA organic certification requirements here.
2. Growing Demand for Pasture-Raised Eggs:
Trend: Pasture-raised eggs are gaining more and more popularity as consumers become invested in animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. These eggs come from hens that have access to open pasture, allowing them to roam, forage, and lead more natural lives.
Capitalization: If feasible, consider transitioning to pasture-raised egg production. In your marketing, be sure to highlight the ethical and environmental benefits of your eggs, emphasizing that your hens enjoy a higher quality of life and are free to roam. Transparency in your farming practices and certifications like “Certified Humane” can build trust with consumers seeking pasture-raised options.
3. Innovative Egg Products:
Trend: Consumers are looking for convenient and innovative egg products. This includes pre-packaged omelets, egg bites, and other ready-to-eat options. Additionally, there is a growing interest in egg-based alternatives to traditional dairy products, like egg-based yogurt and mayonnaise.
Capitalization: Explore the possibility of diversifying your product line to include newer egg products that are less saturated with competition. Experiment with different recipes and packaging options to meet the demand for convenience. Keep an eye on emerging egg trends in the food industry and adapt accordingly.
To keep an eye on pre-packaged egg food trends, we recommend setting up a Google alert. This will keep you up-to-date on the world of egg products.
4. Sustainable Packaging:
Trend: Sustainable packaging is becoming increasingly important to consumers. They are looking for eggs packaged in environmentally friendly materials, such as recyclable cartons or biodegradable options. Plastic and foam have been declining in popularity for some time due to the fact that they are more difficult to recycle.
Capitalization: Consider transitioning to more sustainable packaging solutions for your eggs. This not only aligns with consumer values but also reduces your environmental footprint. Paper egg cartons are also typically cheaper than their non-sustainable counterparts! Plus, all of the paper cartons from The Egg Carton Store are made from 100% recycled materials, and are 100% recyclable themselves.
For more information, check out our blog Farm-to-Table: How to Highlight the Local and Sustainable Aspects of Your Egg Business.
5. Local and Transparent Sourcing:
Trend: Consumers are showing a preference for locally sourced and transparently labeled products. They want to know where their food comes from and exactly how it’s produced.
Capitalization: Emphasize your local roots and be transparent about your farming practices. Share your farm’s story, showcase your hens’ living conditions, and provide information about your farming methods & why they are important to you. This transparency can build trust and loyalty among your customers.
Tip: The Egg Carton Store offers an easy-to-use label customization tool. Create the label of your dreams from scratch, and be sure to include where your products are produced on the label to satisfy this growing trend!
2024 is looking to be another exciting year in the egg industry. By staying informed and adapting your small egg business to grow with these trends, you can position yourself for success in the market. Whether it’s going organic, embracing pasture-raised practices, innovating your product line, or emphasizing sustainability and transparency, there are numerous opportunities to thrive and meet the demands of today’s conscientious consumers.