Mexico, the world’s sixth largest producer of laying hens and fourth egg consumer, faces a turning point in the adoption of more sustainable production models.
With more than 90% of the national egg coming from cage systems, organizations such as Humane World for Animals work to articulate companies, producers and financial institutions in the transition to cage-free schemes and with better animal welfare standards.
Arianna Torres, representative of the organization, explains that the approach starts from recognizing animals as sentient beings.
In Mexico, most chickens live in small spaces, with little light and without the possibility of walking, perching or nesting.
“If these conditions were applied to pets they would be inconceivable,” he says.
This awareness has prompted companies and consumers to rethink their purchasing decisions.
A collaborative network that drives change
Humane World operates as an intermediary that connects companies with producers capable of supplying cage-free eggs.
The second largest egg producer in the world – located in Mexico – began the transition to this system two years ago, sending a signal that it can also be profitable.
The organization also collaborates with financial institutions that offer green credits for producers seeking to convert their operations.
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Together, companies of all sizes, international organizations and the government work to generate advances in legislation, certifications and traceability processes.
According to Humane World, more than 200 companies in Mexico and more than 2,000 in the world—including Grupo Bimbo, Nestlé and McDonald’s—have established formal commitments to transition to the use of cage-free eggs.
Latin America advances; Mexico accelerates
The global movement towards cage-free systems began in Europe, where some countries already reach 100% production under this scheme.
Latin America, previously considered a region with low demand, has shown accelerated growth.
In Mexico, four of the six largest producers already have cage-free production lines and a “boom” in adoption has been observed over the last three or four years.
Although progress is less in the pork sector, Humane World assures that there are conditions where producing cage-free pork can be more economical than doing so in traditional systems.
The consumer: more informed and willing to pay more
A study with more than 1,000 Mexican consumers shows a level of concern of 8.6 out of 10 regarding animal welfare. Women and people over 50 stand out for their higher level of awareness.
The survey also reveals that 54% would be willing to pay more for a cage-free egg, and that the price difference is usually between 18% and 20%.
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The organization emphasizes that expanding production is key to avoiding greater disparities.
The massive circulation of images and videos about production conditions has increased social awareness. For Humane World, the combination of accessible information, time to analyze it and economic capacity has driven more responsible purchasing decisions.
Close the information gap
The organization considers it necessary to clarify what “cage-free” means, since it is not just about organic or pastured eggs. Systems such as multi-level aviaries, nest boxes and perches also meet welfare standards.
Humane World advises companies and producers in implementation processes, animal management, certifications such as Certified Humane and traceability. A detailed guide is about to be released that explains every step, from making commitments to fulfilling them.
Obstacles and opportunities for producers
Although the progress is notable, myths persist about the cost or difficulty of cage-free production.
The organization assures that historical resistance is decreasing and that producers are beginning to identify business opportunities.
Birds with greater mobility develop better immune systems and less bone loss, which contributes to a more efficient operation.
Producers who want to increase capacity are turning to specialized financing, while retail, food, hotel and restaurant companies continue to expand their demand for cage-free eggs.
Evidence-based support
The process begins with the creation of multidisciplinary teams within the companies: purchasing, marketing, sustainability, finance and social responsibility. From this, routes are drawn by region or country according to volumes and types of eggs. Humane World facilitates meetings with producers and ensures solutions at every stage.
The objectives are aligned with ESG standards, which integrate environmental, social and governance criteria within the corporate operation.
Business commitments that move industries
Companies like Bimbo, Nestlé or McDonald’s — which set goals for 2025 or 2030 — are considered “giants that move the terrain.” Their commitments generate echo among producers, other companies in the sector and the final consumer. Although the process will take decades, Humane World believes that the foundations for a structural transformation are already in place.
Towards 2030: a turning point
The organization sees clear signs of change. Supermarkets that already offer only cage-free eggs and world-class producers leading the transition mark sustained progress. Although the majority of eggs still come from caged systems, the alignment between supply, demand and corporate commitments points to a turning point in the coming years.
The future of animal welfare in food
For Humane World, consolidating animal welfare as a strategic axis requires that consumers and companies understand what is behind each product. With clear scientific information about the way eggs or pork are produced, purchasing decisions can be guided towards more traceable alternatives with higher welfare standards.
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