Switching to cage-free eggs is more than an ethical choice: it is a strategic decision aligned with the modern demands of society and the market. Companies making this commitment do so for the following reasons:
Switching to cage-free eggs is more than an ethical choice: it is a strategic decision aligned with the modern demands of society and the market. Companies making this commitment do so for the following reasons:
Consumers today are increasingly concerned about the conditions in which animals are raised and choose products that are produced with more respect for their welfare.
Many companies respond to this shift in demand, by committing to sourcing eggs from farming systems that provide hens with living conditions compatible with their needs and natural behaviors. For example, in the US, the third largest poultry producer, Perdue (with annual revenues of over $6 billion), made significant changes to its husbandry practices by providing natural light, in response to consumers’ pressure for better animal welfare.
Cage breeding is considered by a constantly increasing part of society, as an unacceptably cruel practice. Companies who take the step to dissociate themselves from such farming practices enhance their ethical profile and actively demonstrate that their values align with those of consumers. The commitment to source only cage-free eggs is widely recognised as an act of corporate responsibility and respect for animals.
Raised in a globalised and demanding environment, the new generation of consumers puts animal welfare at the heart of their choices and show their preference for companies with social and environmental sensitivity. The transition to cage-free eggs is now a well-established global trend which Greek companies should be aware of and follow, especially since they promote values such as Quality, Responsibility and Respect for the consumer.
Public support for Cage-Free farming remains strong. A More in Common poll commissioned by Compassion in World Farming [September 2024] found that 75% of Britons view the use of cages as cruel, and 67% are willing to pay more for cage-free eggs. Meanwhile, the 2023 Eurobarometer revealed that 94% of EU citizens believe farmed animals should have enough space to move freely, and 89% oppose the use of individual cages.
In October 2020, the European Citizens’ Initiative “End the Cage Age” submitted nearly 1.4 million signatures. As a result, the Commission committed to table a legislative proposal to phase out, and finally prohibit, the use of cage systems for all animals mentioned in the Initiative.
Responsible sourcing has become a key component of the sustainability of modern businesses. Companies making the transition benefit from:
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Hellenic Animal Welfare Federation.