McDonald's is one of the largest purchasers of eggs in the United States, utilizing nearly 2 billion eggs annually for its U.S. restaurant locations.
The Enormous Scale of McDonald's Egg Consumption
The sheer volume of eggs McDonald's procures each year underscores its massive operational scale and significant influence within the agricultural supply chain. This staggering figure of almost 2 billion eggs highlights the company's substantial impact on the U.S. egg industry, as these eggs are sourced from various agricultural suppliers to meet the demands of its extensive network of restaurants across the country.
Commitment to Cage-Free Sourcing
Beyond the impressive quantity, McDonald's has made substantial commitments regarding the welfare of its egg supply. A significant portion of its egg procurement strategy in the U.S. is focused on transitioning to 100% cage-free eggs. This commitment by such a large buyer has a profound ripple effect on the entire industry.
Key Milestones and Industry Impact:
- Ambitious Goals: McDonald's publicly committed to transitioning to 100% cage-free eggs for its U.S. and Canadian restaurants.
- Ahead of Schedule: The company has made significant progress, aiming to achieve its 100% cage-free egg goal for U.S. restaurants by the end of 2024, a year earlier than initially planned. This demonstrates a strong drive towards sustainable and ethical sourcing.
- Driving Change: As a major buyer, McDonald's transition to cage-free eggs has a profound impact on the entire egg industry, encouraging suppliers to adopt more humane farming practices. This shift influences agricultural supply chains to adapt and expand their cage-free production capabilities, promoting broader welfare improvements for laying hens across the nation.
The company's immense purchasing power makes its sourcing decisions highly influential, driving significant changes in how eggs are produced and supplied on a national scale. For more information on their progress and commitments, you can refer to official statements on their corporate website.
Learn more about McDonald's sustainability efforts and egg sourcing: McDonald's Cage-Free Eggs Update
