PoultryWorld: Sunny side up – the global egg market is set to expand

Driven by rising incomes and shifting consumer preferences, the global egg market is projected to grow steadily, according to Rabobank’s latest RaboResearch report. The analysis forecasts a consistent annual growth rate of around 2%, culminating in a 22% increase by 2035.

Rabobank’s RaboResearch predicts that eggs will continue to hold a competitive edge over other protein sources in the coming years. According to the report, 90% of the expansion will occur in emerging regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

In contrast, growth in developed economies such as the EU, Japan, and South Korea will be slow due to the declining population (Figure 1).

The report states that the primary factors driving the growth are as follows:

• Income growth and affordability
• Consumer preferences
• Availability
• Population growth
• Marketing and product development

Changing egg demand and megatrends

Over the past 3 decades, the global egg market has more than doubled in size and growth is expected to continue by another 20% in the next decade. However, this growth is not uniform. Between 2015 and 2025, over 90% of the increase in egg consumption occurred in emerging markets, with China accounting for 35% and the rest of Asia contributing 40%. Latin America accounted for approximately 15% of global growth.

Growth in higher-income emerging markets, such as China, parts of the Middle East, and Latin America, will be slower, while South and Southeast Asia, Latin America and, increasingly, Africa, will drive the wave of expansion.

While rising income levels remain a key driver of egg consumption, they are far from the only factor shaping consumer behaviour. Marketing efforts, product innovation, and availability also play crucial roles.

In low-income countries, eggs are often the most affordable source of protein and frequently the first one they purchase. Availability is especially important in rural areas, where backyard poultry farming is common and eggs are typically sold directly from farms or at wet markets.

Several global trends are set to influence egg consumption patterns:

• Young people in emerging regions: By 2035, over 75% of consumers in emerging regions will be between the ages of 15 and 34, representing a dynamic and influential segment for future demand.
• Wellness: Interest in wellness-related spending is 3 times higher in advanced economies. However, wellness needs vary across generations (baby boomers, Gen Z and Gen X).
• Sustainability awareness: Younger consumers are increasingly focused on sustainability, although willingness to pay a premium for sustainable products has declined.

These megatrends present significant opportunities for producers to innovate, develop new products, and strategically target evolving consumer segments.

Production challenges

One of the biggest challenges facing producers will be deciding on how and where to produce, especially as resource availability, sustainability, and geopolitical tensions become more pressing.

With 90% of future growth expected in emerging markets, producers must navigate limited global resources and a shrinking base of agricultural land. Many fast-growing markets such as Asia face significant limitations in arable land relative to their population size, posing a major hurdle for animal protein production.

Meanwhile, geopolitical shifts are prompting governments and producers to rethink investment strategies, with increasing emphasis on food and resource security. This includes making food value chains more strategic and resilient.

Shifting investment

As global investment conditions rapidly evolve, the egg market is expected maintain its growth trajectory, particularly in emerging economies. However, production value chains must adapt to a changing landscape shaped by government policies, evolving consumer expectations, and growing concerns around sustainability, animal welfare, and disease management.

These dynamics are prompting international investors in the egg sector to reassess their strategies to remain competitive and resilient in a more complex global environment.