The growing ethical awareness among the consumers has led the Thailand foodservice industry to increasingly adopt sustainable practices. Many foodservice operators are opting for cage-free eggs and restaurants are placing greater importance on animal welfare. This shift not only addresses the evolving consumer expectations but also aligns with global food standards, reflecting the industry’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Biswarup Bose, Consumer Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Many consumers believe animals deserve respectful treatment, with the confined, restrictive conditions of battery cages widely deemed cruel. In contrast, cage-free systems provide hens with more freedom to move and express natural behaviors, aligning with ethical values. A GlobalData 2024 Q2 Consumer Survey* corroborates this trend, where 58% of respondents in Thailand stated that their product purchasing decisions for food and drinks are either always or often influenced by how ethical/environmentally friendly/socially responsible the product/service is.”

Tim Hill, Key Account Director, SE Asia at GlobalData, adds: “Cage-free systems can have a smaller environmental footprint when managed responsibly. Consumers prioritizing sustainability consider cage-free eggs to help reduce environmental harm and support sustainable farming. Moreover, sustainable feed practices and reduced reliance on antibiotics contribute to a healthier ecosystem and lower overall resource usage. Restaurants adopting this standard are not only supporting the humane treatment of animals but are also contributing to healthier food production processes.”

Capitalizing on these trends, various foodservice operators in Thailand, such as Tap Home Cook and Zen Corporation Group have committed to only use eggs from cage-free hens.

Bose continues: “Cage-free environments are believed to help produce healthier eggs with a lower risk of contamination, particularly salmonella, than eggs from caged systems. Consumers often associate better animal welfare practices with higher food quality and safety.”

Underlining this trend, 67% of Thai respondents stated that their choice of food and drinks is always or often influenced by how it impacts their health and wellbeing*.

Hill concludes: “Knowing that restaurants and brands are committed to humane practices fosters trust and builds loyalty among customers. A growing focus on ethical living and conscious consumerism has prioritized issues like animal welfare. Campaigns and advocacy efforts have further raised awareness, encouraging consumers to support companies that share their values.”

*GlobalData 2024 Q2 Consumer Survey – Thailand, 502 respondents.