Evolving consumption through egg product innovation
21 June 2024
A united goal for the global egg industry is to increase egg consumption worldwide. At the IEC Business Conference in Edinburgh, producers showcased not only the versatility of eggs, but their own ingenuity in transforming an everyday commodity into a new and exciting product. On the market today, we are seeing the emergence of hen egg products that not only expand market opportunities but reshape how consumers perceive and enjoy eggs.
Egglife Wraps | Redefining convenience
Peggy Johns, Founder of Egglife Wraps, shared her story on how she addressed a personal dietary challenge by creating a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to flour-based wraps: “I was unable to find a solution on store shelves, so I came up with my own”.
Using an experimental approach and the encouragement of peers, Peggy invented ‘Egglife Wraps’; a product that, with the support of Rose Acre Farms, has now been scaled up from kitchen experiment to commercial success without compromising on taste, convenience or nutritional value.
Watch Peggy's bitesize presentationEvova Foods | Snacking reinvented
Evova Foods, represented by Dion Martens, shared how they transformed egg whites into a satisfying snack for daily consumption. Dion explained that Evova’s goal is to “expand the occasions in which consumers can enjoy the natural goodness of eggs”, by creating unique products without competing with the current market.
Recognising the habitual snacking tendencies of North Americans, Evova developed protein-packed puffs that are both nutritionally beneficial and a tasty, shelf staple. This product caters to health-conscious consumers while highlighting the industry’s commitment to innovation and market responsiveness.
Watch Dion's short presentationBalticovo | Indulgence with a nutritional twist
Balticovo took a bold step by introducing their egg-based ice creams to the market, named ‘Plombirs’. Toms Auškāps, representing the company, proudly explained how this idea became a reality.
This product draws on the emotional connections associated with a traditional ice cream recipe from the Baltic Islands, while tapping into nostalgia: “Ice cream stands for joy, happiness, emotions, children, family, so why don’t we use this opportunity?” ‘Plombirs’ also resonates with consumers seeking healthier dessert options. Toms emphasised Balticovo’s commitment to quality and flavour, leveraging egg protein to create a creamy dessert that responded to Europe’s rapidly increasing demand for protein products.
Watch Toms' 5-minute presentationNavigating new landscapes
The following panel discussion moderated by Dr Amna Khan provided deeper insights into the strategic decisions and challenges faced by these innovators. Each speaker shared their unique journey, from initial concept to overcoming market obstacles and integrating consumer feedback. The key themes explored included the importance of focus in product development, the need for consumer education about the nutritional benefits of eggs, and the transformative power of innovation in branding and market positioning.
Watch the producer panel discussionIEC Edinburgh presentations on-demand
All presentations from the Business Conference in April 2024 are now available to watch online (member-access only).
Watch the presentations from IEC Edinburgh