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The Global Egg Industry: Scrambling into the Future

Published: 6/2/2025

More than breakfast, it's big business. The egg industry is worth more than $250 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $315 billion by 2028. Eggs are cracking open new markets worldwide. Whether it's your breakfast omelet, a specialty ingredient in a bakery, or the protein in a processed food, eggs are a staple in household and industrial kitchens around the world. Let's pull back the curtain on the present state of the global egg industry, what is driving it, in which direction it is going, and what challenges are ahead.

The Global Egg Industry: Scrambling into the Future

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egg on a toast

Market Size and Growth

The egg sector is growing consistently, registering a 4–5% CAGR (compound annual growth rate). By 2028, worldwide egg sales will reach more than $315 billion, fueled by increasing global protein demand and affordability.

Who's Leading the Charge?

Asia-Pacific leads the world.

  • China is still the world's largest egg producer and consumer.
  • India and Indonesia are fast rising up the ranks on account of growing populations and rising egg consumption in diets.

North America and Europe still reflect good demand, though growth is comparatively slower than in emerging economies.

white eggs

Consumption Patterns: From Breakfast to Functional Foods

Egg intake is highly varied based on culture, economy, and food availability. Some nations consume eggs every day; others are quickly catching up.

How Many Eggs Are We Consuming?

  • Mexico, Japan, and China: More than 300 eggs per capita per year
  • United States and Europe: Approximately 250–280 eggs per capita per year

What's Driving This Demand?

Today's consumers aren't just seeking plain eggs—they're seeking eggs that do more. Consumers are driving the production and marketing of eggs through health consciousness.

Popular trends are:

Free-range and organic eggs – Animal welfare and natural farming are becoming a priority among consumers.

Enriched eggs – Enriched with omega-3s, vitamin D, and other nutrients to provide extra health benefits.

Processed egg products – Convenience-driven products such as:

  • Liquid eggs (foodservice)
  • Egg powders (industrial baking)
  • Ready-to-eat forms (pre-boiled or peeled eggs)

Vegetable egg substitutes – Although still in a niche phase, increasing in Western nations as a result of veganism and allergy issues.

eggs

Industrial and B2B Application: The Pillar of Processed Foods

Eggs play a vital role in food manufacturing and foodservice, so they are fundamental to B2B markets in many industries.

Industrial Mainstays:

  • Bakery and confectionery: Binding, leavening, and emulsification roles.
  • Mayonnaise and sauces: Emulsification is central to the production of smooth, stable products.
  • Ready meals and processed foods: Texture, flavor, and structure.
  • Catering and institutional sales: Bulk packaging such as liquid and powdered eggs guarantees consistency and food safety in volume.

Why Processed Eggs Are Popular:

  • Convenience: No cracking or separating needed.
  • Hygiene: Pasteurized forms minimize contamination threats.
  • Shelf-life: Increased storage capacity makes them suitable for export and foodservice logistics.
eggs

Key Market Drivers: Why Eggs Are Everywhere

A number of drivers are pushing the ongoing growth of the egg industry. These are demographic forces, economic pressures, and government policies.

What's Driving the Growth?

  • Growing population: Additional mouths to feed, particularly in Asia and Africa.
  • Low protein-to-price ratio: Eggs are one of the cheapest animal proteins available.
  • Urbanization: As people move to urban areas, there is greater demand for processed and convenience foods—most of which depend on eggs.
  • Food processing expansion: The greater the number of pre-packaged snacks and meals available, the higher the demand for egg-derived products.
  • Government assistance: Eggs are frequently included in nutritional and school meal programs in developing nations due to their high nutrient density.
cracked egg

Challenges: Cracks in the Shell

No sector is free of trouble, and eggs are no exception. With everything from health scandals to moral issues, the international egg industry has some challenges to overcome.

Critical Industry Challenges:

  • Avian flu and disease outbreaks: They can wipe out flocks and upset entire regional supply chains.
  • Feed cost volatility: Corn and soybean prices have a direct impact on egg production costs.
  • Animal welfare scrutiny: Producers are being pushed by regulators and consumers to shift from battery cages to cage-free systems.
  • Sustainability: Greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and water consumption are coming under greater scrutiny, particularly from large retailers.
  • Climate change: Unreliable weather patterns and extreme temperatures expose poultry to risks and overburden infrastructure.
  • Biosecurity: Increased global trade and poultry concentration increase the risk of disease transmission unless controlled severely.
egg tray

A Glimpse into the Future: Adaptation and Innovation

Opportunities arise with challenges. The egg industry is changing, particularly in transparency, innovation, and digitalization.

As we look into the future, expect the industry to:

  • Embrace technological solutions and blockchain for traceability.
  • Increase plant-based options as alternatives become more acceptable.
  • Prioritize sustainability certifications and greener supply chains.
  • Tap export opportunities from surplus-producing areas to supply protein shortages elsewhere.
Yellows and Whites logo

Yellows and Whites 

Company Name: Yellows and Whites Pvt Ltd
Headquarters: India
Core Products: Liquid pasteurized egg whites, whole eggs, egg yolks

Yellows and Whites is rewriting how India sees eggs—literally. With a strong vision to balance the carb-heavy Indian diet, they’ve introduced a protein-rich lineup featuring liquid pasteurized egg whites, whole eggs, and yolks. Whether you're whipping up a fluffy omelet or powering your smoothie with clean protein, their products offer convenience without compromise.

Driven by innovation and backed by three mechanical engineering grads turned food entrepreneurs, the brand leads the Silver Revolution 2.0, making high-quality, nutritious egg products more accessible and affordable. Their focus on sustainability, animal welfare, and taste makes them a standout in India's evolving food scene.

From breakfast to post-gym meals, Yellows and Whites makes eating healthy simple, delicious, and smart.

Final Thoughts

Eggs are not only a breakfast table staple anymore. They're an international commodity, a health product, and a key ingredient for food manufacturing. The egg industry has a bright future ahead, but it is reserved for those who are willing to keep up with health trends, ethical demands, and international demand.

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