Malaysia’s egg industry is on the cusp of a transformation, with leading producers turning their attention to cage-free egg production. At the recent Sino-Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Symposium, held on May 8, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, notable players in the Malaysian egg sector gathered to gain insights from their Chinese counterparts who have successfully navigated the shift toward more humane farming practices.

The symposium, titled “Unlocking Success Together,” brought together seven of Malaysia’s top egg producers, five of China’s largest cage-free egg producers, prominent Chinese egg and poultry trade associations, and cross-border food distributors. This collaborative event, organized by Lever Foundation, the Beijing Egg Industry Association, and the Shanghai Poultry Trade Association, aimed to explore the burgeoning commercial opportunities in Malaysia’s cage-free egg market. 

A recent survey showed that 77% of Malaysians believe food companies should source only cage-free eggs, and over 60% are willing to pay more. This consumer demand, coupled with the insights shared at the symposium, drives significant interest in expanding cage-free production in Malaysia.

Cindy Lee, COO of TC Farm, Malaysia’s first commercial-scale cage-free egg producer, emphasized the importance of animal welfare and the benefits of cage-free environments for hens, which align with the rising consumer expectations for ethical food production. 

In response to this shifting consumer sentiment, many food companies in Malaysia have set timelines for transitioning to cage-free eggs in their supply chains. Based on existing corporate commitments alone, there will be a demand for approximately 395 million more cage-free eggs annually within the next few years.

Retailers, restaurant chains, and hotel groups increasingly set timelines to eliminate caged eggs from their supply chains. This trend is expected to drive the need for nearly 400 million more cage-free eggs annually in Malaysia. This will position the country’s industry to meet rising consumer demands and align with global standards in animal welfare.

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