What's Happening?
Global egg consumption is forecast to grow by approximately 22% by 2035, with an annual increase of about 2%, according to the Global Egg Industry Outlook 2035 by Rabobank and the World Egg Organisation
(WEO). This growth is attributed to factors such as population expansion, rising incomes, urbanization, and enhanced access to affordable protein. Emerging economies, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, are expected to account for nearly 90% of this additional demand. For instance, Latin American countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia already show high per capita egg consumption. Brazil's per capita consumption is projected to reach 301 eggs in 2026, more than double its 2006 level. Even in established markets like the United States, per capita egg consumption is anticipated to rise from 263.8 eggs in 2025 to 269.5 in 2026, potentially reaching 285.1 by 2035, as reported by WATTPoultry.
Why It's Important?
The projected surge in global egg consumption signifies a substantial opportunity for the U.S. poultry industry and related sectors. As demand increases worldwide, particularly in emerging markets, U.S. producers could find new avenues for export and investment, though the report notes that only about 2% of eggs are traded internationally, emphasizing local production. The continued appeal of eggs as an affordable, versatile, and nutritious protein source supports consumer demand across various income groups. However, the industry faces challenges such as fluctuating feed prices and outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which can disrupt supply and increase price volatility. The focus on product differentiation, animal welfare, and sustainability in mature markets, including the U.S., also means producers must adapt to evolving consumer expectations and potentially invest in new production systems like cage-free options. This shift impacts feed manufacturers, requiring advancements in feed conversion and nutrient utilization to meet higher demand sustainably.
What's Next?
To meet the anticipated 22% increase in global egg demand by 2035, the poultry industry will need to focus on improving productivity and efficiency. This includes continued advancements in laying hen genetics, feed formulation, housing systems, flock health management, and production efficiency. For the animal nutrition industry, this means opportunities to develop better feed conversion strategies and nutrient utilization. The industry must also address significant biological and economic challenges, particularly the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which necessitates strong biosecurity programs, disease surveillance, and resilient supply chains. In established markets like the U.S., there will be a continued emphasis on value-added products, animal welfare, and sustainable production methods, potentially leading to further investment in alternative production systems such as cage-free and organic eggs. Digital technologies, including automated monitoring and precision feeding, are expected to play a growing role in optimizing performance and traceability.
Beyond the Headlines
The global increase in egg consumption highlights broader trends in food security and dietary shifts. As populations grow and incomes rise in emerging economies, there's a natural progression towards increased consumption of animal-source proteins, with eggs being a highly accessible option. This trend also underscores the ethical and environmental considerations surrounding intensive animal agriculture. The demand for animal welfare and sustainable practices in mature markets, such as the U.S., reflects a growing consumer consciousness about the origins and production methods of their food. This dual pressure—increasing demand globally and evolving ethical expectations in developed nations—will likely drive innovation in both production efficiency and sustainable farming practices. The relatively limited international trade of eggs also suggests a focus on localized food systems, which could have implications for regional economic development and food sovereignty.
