The Art of Marketing

In 2015, shell egg production totaled to 6.91 billion. The typical American consumes over 30 lbs of eggs a year. The high demand for these cases of gold has increased exponentially in the last fifty years. Its versatility as a cooking ingredient makes the egg an essential commodity in most kitchens; it is virtually required in all recipes, ranging from breakfast to dessert. Eggs along with dairy is one of the most visited aisles at local grocery stores and supermarkets. However, does the typical consumer really know what they are purchasing? In food journalist Alders Kelto’s article, “Farm Fresh? Natural? Eggs Not Always What They’re Cracked Up To Be”, he distinguishes between our perception of the labels on egg cartons and the actual meaning. For example, some egg cartons would be marketed as “cage-free”. Average consumers would think that the chickens are raised and able to wander in a open farm, however, this really just means that they are raised in enclosed aviary barns, cramped together with hundreds of other chickens. Another instance can be an egg carton is marketed as “No Hormones”. This is misleading because it is illegal to inject poultry with hormones. Although the egg manufacturer didn't give false information, they still intended to use this label to attract customers to their product.
This source is important because we live in an age where we easily believe anything that a product says. Marketing food as “natural” or “farm-fresh” doesn't necessarily mean it is natural and farm fresh. A majority of big-name corporations use these titles to appeal to interests of the general public; they deceive consumers into believing that their product is healthy. Most of the merchandise sitting in grocery-store shelves are a bi-product of mass production and clever marketing. It is important to be aware that not all product labeling is truthful or accurate. We shouldn't always buy things because it is marketed a certain way; rather we should be aware of the items that we're purchasing.