Animal welfare concerns drive demand for organic eggs

Eggs – they might be a kitchen staple, but new research from Mintel finds today’s German consumers really care about the ethical and taste credentials of this breakfast favourite, with animal welfare concerns driving demand for organic eggs.

According to latest research from Mintel, more than four in 10 (44%) of all egg and egg products launched in Germany between August 2014 and July 2015 carried an organic claim, making organic the second most popular claim for egg launches in Germany after animal welfare claims (such as free-range), seen on almost half of launches (49%).

What is more, Mintel’s exclusive consumer research, among German meat, seafood and poultry buyers finds two-thirds (67%) of these consumers believe high animal welfare is an important quality when purchasing meat, seafood or poultry products, meanwhile, one-third (32%) of these consumers claim that organic quality is an important factor in their buying decision.

Katya Witham, Senior Food and Drink Analyst Germany at Mintel, said:

“Demand for organically produced foods is increasing so rapidly that German farmers and processors are struggling to keep pace. Like much of the organic sector, the market for organic eggs is expanding in Germany, with a growing number of husbandries increasing both organic and free-range production. No longer the domain of farmers markets and health stores, organic eggs have fast moved into the mainstream food retail sector in Germany.”

The demand for non-GMO eggs is also growing in Germany, with consumer concern over genetically modified foods forcing the meat, dairy and egg industries to offer products derived from non-GMO feed. Over the past two years, the share of eggs and egg products carrying GMO-free claims has grown significantly in Germany, some 23% of new product launched in the past 12 months carry a ‘non-GMO’ claim, double that in 2014.

“In an attempt to deliver more transparency for consumers, Germany introduced a ‘non-GMO’ label for foods that have not been genetically modified in 2008. Although the labelling is not mandatory, a growing number of German food and drink manufacturers chose to use it to reassure consumers of the quality and safety of products, with egg and egg product producers being no exception.”

“Given the very negative attitudes of German consumers towards GM foods, it is to be expected that the number of egg producing businesses adopting GMO-free labels will grow in Germany going forward.” concludes Katya.

 Press review copies of the research and interviews with Senior Food and Drinks Analyst Katya Witham, are available on request from the press office.