Giant Eagle, a leading supermarket chain in the United States, has made a significant commitment to animal welfare by announcing its new expanded cage-free egg policy, which includes reporting progress for the first time.

As part of this new initiative, the company will transition 100% of its fresh egg supply to cage-free by 2025. Today, 100% of Giant Eagle’s Own Brands' shell, liquid, and hardboiled eggs are from cage-free farms. In the first public report, Giant Eagle shares that cage-free eggs now account for 60% of the fresh egg product assortment available in stores.

Beyond the shell

The exciting expansion of this policy includes the company's Nature's Basket brand products, with a new goal to use only cage-free eggs as an ingredient in manufactured products by 2025. Giant Eagle is working with its vendor partners to map out the transition of other egg products and explore ways to involve guests on this journey.

This is a crucial step forward for the supermarket chain, which aspires to meet the needs of its customers, responsibly. While some factors, such as government requirements and commodity supply availability, may pose challenges, Giant Eagle remains steadfast in its goal of transitioning to a 100% cage-free egg supply chain by 2025.

Compassion in World Farming has developed a strong relationship with Giant Eagle over the years, working on multiple animal welfare issues across its supply chain. Giant Eagle joins over 100 other United States retailers with a cage-free egg policy.

"As consumers become increasingly conscious of the impact their choices have on animals, the environment, and human health, it's encouraging to see companies like Giant Eagle take proactive steps towards more humane and sustainable practices," says Julia Johnson, Senior Food Business Manager at Compassion In World Farming. "By committing to and reporting progress toward cage-free eggs, Giant Eagle is not only improving the welfare of animals but also setting a positive example for other companies to follow. When food companies prioritize animal welfare, they play a vital role in creating a food system that is both ethical and transparent, allowing consumers to make more informed choices about the food they eat."

Why is cage-free important?

Metal wire cages are used to confine 6 to 12 hens at a time, providing birds with less space than an iPad to move. These cramped conditions prevent the animals from engaging in natural behaviors and result in a sedentary lifestyle, causing psychological frustration and physical ailments.

This new policy is a positive move for the company and for consumers who value animal welfare. Compassion in World Farming is encouraged to see the cage-free egg movement continue to gain momentum, with hundreds of food companies now reporting progress toward their commitments to go 100% cage-free.

See which food businesses have made commitments and are reporting progress against those commitments at EggTrack.com.