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Demand and Nutrient Elasticities of Egg Consumption: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

Author

Listed:
  • Dana Alsaad

    (Department of Agribusiness & Consumer Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohammed Al-Mahish

    (Department of Agribusiness & Consumer Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Chicken eggs are a staple food widely consumed directly or indirectly (as an ingredient in other food items) in Saudi Arabia. Due to the importance of eggs in Saudi consumers’ diet, this study aimed to determine the sociodemographic factors affecting Saudi consumer demand for eggs and how changes in egg prices and consumer income may influence dietary intake derived from eggs. This study analyzes survey data from 466 respondents. We used a double-log demand model to obtain the price and income elasticities of egg demand. The results show that the price elasticity of egg demand is negative and inelastic, indicating that changes in egg price have a small influence on egg demand. Additionally, income elasticity is positive and <1, implying that eggs are a necessary food item. Cross-price elasticities show that cheese and milk complement egg consumption. Meanwhile, cornflakes (a breakfast cereal) were found to be a good substitute for eggs. Furthermore, the results show that consumer demand for eggs is expected to increase as household size increases. Women exhibited a higher demand for eggs, compared with men. Nutrient income elasticity shows that an increase in consumer income increases protein, fat, and calorie intake from eggs. Nutrient price elasticity shows that an increase in egg price has the greatest negative influence on protein intake, resulting from a decrease in egg consumption. This study recommends that decision makers actively monitor egg prices and take all necessary actions to prevent spikes in egg prices, as this will improve nutritional and food security and help consumers maintain a stable protein intake from egg consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Dana Alsaad & Mohammed Al-Mahish, 2024. "Demand and Nutrient Elasticities of Egg Consumption: Evidence from Saudi Arabia," Economies, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:12:y:2024:i:9:p:245-:d:1476146
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Muhammad, Andrew & Martinez, Charles & Lawani, Abdelaziz, 2023. "Why Are Eggs so Expensive? Understanding the Recent Spike in Egg Prices," Choices: The Magazine of Food, Farm, and Resource Issues, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 38(2).
    5. Li Jiang & Karen C. Seto & Junfei Bai, 2015. "Urban economic development, changes in food consumption patterns and land requirements for food production in China," China Agricultural Economic Review, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 7(2), pages 240-261, May.
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