2120 final report.pdf - Agra CEAS Consulting

THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF THE VARIOUS SYSTEMS TO KEEP LAYING HENS3.1. Market share of eggs produced under alternative systemsThe bulk of eggs currently supplied in all markets is derived from traditional caged production. Theshare of this type of production in the sale of fresh eggs at retail level does, however, varyconsiderably. In some southern Member States where there is relatively little production of, ordemand for, alternatively produced eggs, virtually 100% of eggs sold fresh are from the traditionalcaged system 18 . Moving northwards, the proportion of eggs from alternative systems consumed freshrises sharply. In the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and the UK it is estimated that close to 50% ofeggs sold at the retail level are now sourced from alternative systems, in Germany and Austria thepercentage is estimated to be around 25%. The proportion sourced via alternative systems hasgradually increased as some large retailers have indicated they will no longer source fresh eggs fromtraditional caged production.Most eggs for the processing and food service (catering) sector are derived from caged production(or from alternative systems when there is a surplus of this type of output). The proportion ofalternatively sourced eggs used for processing/food service which is specifically destined for endproducts which indicate that they contain such eggs is limited. In the UK, which is probably the mostadvanced in these terms as a result of a major retailer (Marks and Spencer) and a major food servicecompany (McDonald’s) setting a requirement for free range (in processed product as well as fresheggs), it is estimated that 12% of the processed market is sourced from free range production.Figure 3.9 presents an estimation of eggs used in the retail, food service and processing sectors bytype of production at the EU-15 level. Accurate information is sparse and this estimation is based ona number of assumptions. These are:all first quality eggs from alternative systems are sold in-shell in the retail sector with theexception of the UK and the Netherlands where 5% of first quality eggs from the free rangesystem go into the food service sector and a further 2% enter the processing sector;second quality eggs from alternative systems are sold to the processing sector;the caged system includes both conventional and enriched cage systems.The Figure indicates clearly that the majority of eggs are sold through the retail sector (56%) and alsothat currently the dominant production system is the traditional cage (89%). Just under a quarter of18 This statement is made on the basis that it is legal to produce eggs in a number of defined systems. Egg producers are assumed to beeconomically rational and to attempt to maximise profits subject to a set of constraints. They will therefore produce eggs in systemswhich result in the highest levels of profitability. Where there is consumer demand and willingness to pay for more expensive eggsproduced in higher cost systems, then egg producers will do so as long as the revenue they achieve is sufficient to result in acceptableprofits. Where demand is high and supply low, consumers will pay higher premiums for such eggs. This will result in a greater number ofproducers entering this market. As they do so, supply increases towards the level of demand and as a result the price will decline.Ultimately an equilibrium is achieved where supply is sufficient to meet demand at a certain price. Where there is little supply of eggs fromalternative systems the implication is that consumers are unwilling to purchase such eggs at a price which makes it worthwhile forproducers to enter the market. The absence of supply therefore indicates an absence of demand at prices necessary to facilitateproduction. Conversely, where there is a supply of eggs from alternative systems the implication is that at the prices required to facilitateproduction there is consumer demand and willingness to pay.62