The global egg market will expand by 22% through 2035, with emerging markets accounting for over 90% of that growth, according to a new report from Rabobank and World Egg Organisation.
The global egg market has grown rapidly over the past three decades – doubling from 46 million tons in 1995 to 99 million tons in 2025. The market, alongside poultry, was the fastest-growing animal-protein market in the last 10 years, the report noted.
Drivers and shifting focus
Rising incomes, urbanization and changing consumer preferences in Asia, Africa and Latin America are driving expansion, while mature markets are increasingly demanding value-added egg products.
Per capita egg consumption varies across regions, according to the report, from under 50 eggs annually in parts of Africa to over 300 eggs in Mexico and Japan. Emerging markets are experiencing the fastest consumption increases as incomes rise.
“Eggs will maintain their strong market position compared to other proteins, although growth is expected to slow slightly to approximately 2.0% year-on-year over the next decade,” said Nan-Dirk Mulder, RaboResearch Senior Global Specialist in Animal Protein.
The egg industry is shifting focus from volume-based to value-based production, Mr Mulder explained, with increased emphasis on vertical integration, efficiency improvements and biosecurity measures.
The growth of egg consumption in developing regions, with the rise of megacities, will require changes to egg distribution systems, marketing approaches and product development strategies, according to the report.
Meanwhile, in more mature markets, demand is shifting toward the value-added eggs segments, along with cage-free, organic and functional eggs.
Cage-free systems are also expanding in Western markets and increasing in emerging economies in response to regulatory requirements and consumer demand.
So, “in addition to price, consumers are driven by health and wellness trends, convenience, taste, sustainability, and animal welfare,” Mr Mulder said.
Investment is needed
According to Mr Mulder, the growing egg market and its distribution channels will need significant financial investment.
“Growing global markets and changing demand and distribution channels will require high capital expenditure across greenfield expansion, cage-free transitions and value-added segments,” he stated.
“Strategic investments will focus on modernization, digitalization, and sustainability.”
Additionally, technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and precision farming systems will be important for improving operational efficiency, biosecurity and performance.
“Innovation is accelerating in most parts of the industry, including in genetics, animal nutrition and health, equipment and digital value chains. The biggest challenge for producers will be deciding how and where to invest. Agility, innovation and sustainability will define long-term success,” Mr Mulder explained.