Corporate commitments to use cage-free eggs are being fulfilled globally, and 45.7% of egg-laying hens in the U.S. are now raised in cage-free housing.
The Open Wing Alliance today (Aug. 5) released a report on what it called “massive progress” in ending cages for egg-laying hens. Conagra Brands and Unilever were among the companies lauded for their efforts.
The gist of the report was the follow-through on public commitments to switch to cage-free eggs and conditions. 92% of all corporate cage-free egg commitments with public deadlines of 2024 or earlier have been fulfilled, according to the group, an increase from 89% reporting fulfillment last year.
The annual report tracks all cage-free pledges with public deadlines of 2024 or earlier, which includes a total of 1,147 food-related companies. “From global hotel chains to local restaurants, companies across the world are not just making cage-free commitments—they’re actively transitioning their egg supply chains away from the use of cages,” said Hannah Surowinski, senior associate director of global corporate relations at The Humane League, a founding member of the Open Wing Alliance.
Regions showing major momentum include Europe (96% fulfillment), Oceania (94%), Latin America (90%), Africa (88%), Asia (86%), and North America (77%).
About the Author
Dave Fusaro
Editor in Chief
Dave Fusaro has served as editor in chief of Food Processing magazine since 2003. Dave has 30 years experience in food & beverage industry journalism and has won several national ASBPE writing awards for his Food Processing stories. Dave has been interviewed on CNN, quoted in national newspapers and he authored a 200-page market research report on the milk industry. Formerly an award-winning newspaper reporter who specialized in business writing, he holds a BA in journalism from Marquette University. Prior to joining Food Processing, Dave was Editor-In-Chief of Dairy Foods and was Managing Editor of Prepared Foods.