USA – Nestlé has set a goal to source only eggs from cage-free hens for all its food products globally by 2025, which includes all shell eggs and egg products directly sourced as ingredients by Nestlé.
Nestlé will make the transition by the end of 2020 in Europe and the U.S markets.
The rest of the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania will switch by 2025. Transition in Asia is planned for completion in the same transition period, as conditions allow.
According to the company, it aims to enhance the quality of life and contribute to a healthier future, including ensuring decent welfare standards for animals that are reared for the ingredients used in its products.
“To help drive welfare improvements for egg-laying hens, our goal is to use only cage-free eggs for all of our food products globally by 2025.
This includes all shell eggs and egg products (e.g. whole egg powder and liquid, egg white powder and liquid) directly sourced as ingredients by Nestlé.
In Europe and the US, we will make this transition by the end of 2020.
“In some parts of the world, such as in Europe, over 40% of our eggs are already from cage-free sources,” the company said in a statement, while noting that the switch will be a challenge, with some regions more challenging than others.
“We are however committed to bringing about positive change through working with our partners.”
“Switching to cage-free supplies worldwide requires time and investment.
We will manage this in a sustainable and cost-effective way during the implementation period; ensuring consumers continue to access affordable high-quality foods throughout,” the company noted.
However, it has said that it will work with its suppliers, farmers, civil society and customers to drive progress towards this goal.
