The statutory authority for commercial egg producers, Australian Eggs, has released its eighth annual Industry Sustainability Framework Community Research Report – revealing industry trust remains high, driven by confidence in regulation and reliance on eggs as a source of nutrition.
The research has been undertaken since 2017, commencing with an aim to productively engage with the Australian community to guide ongoing industry improvement. Australian Eggs hires researchers to conduct national community surveys to explore the Australian public’s attitudes and opinions towards the egg industry and identify drivers of trust and acceptance.
The 2025 Sustainability Framework Community Survey was conducted by independent social science research agency, Voconiq, and captured the views of more than 5000 Australians.
Voconiq lead researcher, Dr Kieren Moffatt, said the results show confidence in the industry remains strong.
“This kind of annual benchmarking gives the industry a clear, evidence-based view of community attitudes,” said Moffatt.
“It’s particularly valuable during periods of uncertainty, as it allows us to see how trust is maintained and where it might be at risk. Even against a backdrop of global challenges, the community sees the local industry as safe, responsible, and committed to doing the right thing, which is really positive to see.”
This year’s results showed, for the first time, regulation has overtaken other factors as the leading driver of trust, dethroning industry responsiveness from 2024. Biosecurity, food security, and traceability are now top-of-mind for consumers.
Australian Eggs managing director, Rowan McMonnies, said confidence remains strong, despite a challenging period for egg production.
“Through avian influenza incidents in recent years, Australia's egg industry has closely followed response protocols to contain the impact of the disease and limit disruptions for consumers, which we believe the community has recognised and is reflected in this year’s survey findings” said McMonnies.
“Australian egg farmers have shown time and again that they are ready to respond to community expectations. From strengthening biosecurity and reducing environmental impacts, to improving animal welfare, our industry is committed to delivering on the standards Australians expect, and this year’s findings reflect that dedication.”
The survey also revealed a significant shift in how the community values eggs, with nutrition now ranking above price, convenience and taste as the key factors considered in the value proposition of eggs.
“The importance of eggs in the diet of Australians continues to increase which is reflected in demand but also in community sentiment captured in the survey with 86 per cent confirming they rely on eggs as an important staple food,” said McMonnies.
“There are some challenges ahead in keeping up with this demand, but the industry is constantly looking at ways to improve farming practices and invest in innovation to achieve sustainable growth of the industry.”
Further insights included:
- Public perception of the egg industry remains stable; 76 per cent accept the egg industry, 75 per cent support the egg industry, and 69 per cent approve of the egg industry.
- Confidence in responsible practice: 62 per cent believe the egg industry acts in the best interests of society. 66 per cent trust the industry to act responsibly, and 66 per cent trust the industry to do what is right.
- Regulation matters: Guidelines developed by the egg industry ensure producers do the right thing 68 per cent, and auditing egg farms is seen as effective at making sure farmers do the right thing (70 per cent.)
- Nutrition drives purchase decisions: Overwhelmingly, Aussies value the nutrition content of the Aussie Egg. The resounding majority of respondents noted eggs provide important nutrition in the Australian diet (86 per cent).
- Further, 68 per cent saw eggs as a better source of nutrition than ‘they used to.’ Indicating improved nutrition literacy.
- At the checkout: Aussie consumers are equally as concerned with price and ‘how eggs were produced,’ with each being noted as the most important factor one third of the time* (35 and 33 per cent respectively.)
- The price of eggs fairly reflects the cost of producing them, as noted by 56 per cent of respondents. But in a sign of the times, just under half thought they were affordable where they live, 47 per cent.
- Support for the industry remains high, with 83 per cent noting they are happy to support the industry.
The 2025 Sustainability Framework Community Research Survey is available here, and will inform Australian Eggs’ 2026 Sustainability Framework.
