In October 2018, following a meeting with Cage-Free Greece, Hilton Athens became the first major hotel in Greece to commit to a cage-free egg policy, pledging to source all eggs and egg products exclusively from cage-free farming systems.
This important step is part of the Responsible Sourcing Policy, a core element of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. The policy reflects a growing societal demand for businesses to consider animal welfare and environmental sustainability in their supply chains.
Hilton Athens’ official statement:
“As part of Hilton’s commitment to animal welfare and high-quality products, Hilton Athens has achieved its goal of sourcing all fresh eggs and egg products exclusively from cage-free farming systems -commonly known as barn eggs- and remains committed to maintaining these high standards for its customers.”
Having implemented a cage-free egg policy as early as 2018, Hilton Athens was already well-positioned when, in 2019, Hilton International came under public pressure from a coalition of 63 organizations, including Cage-Free Greece. In response to this coordinated campaign, Hilton made a global commitment to complete its transition to cage-free eggs by 2025 across all its hotels and brands worldwide. The company also pledged to provide regular progress updates to ensure transparency and accountability.
The problem: The reality of cage farming
The majority of eggs used in food supply chains come from cage farming systems, where the hens’ living conditions are so intolerable that they defy even the most elementary notion of welfare. Hens are confined in overcrowded, filthy cages, where they trample and peck at one another. Their feet and wings get trapped in the wire mesh, often leading to serious injuries, mutilation, or death. Many birds perish while immobilized, unable to access food or water.
Cage-Free Greece is the first national campaign dedicated to improving the welfare of birds raised in intensive poultry farming, and promoting a transition to more humane and sustainable production systems.