At least a third of African companies providing eggs and egg products have pledged to cage free systems – Report

As change makers across the globe demand better for egg-laying hens, the cage-free movement is rapidly gaining momentum all across Africa.

The cage-free movement which has already seen thousands of companies around the world fulfilling their pledges to end the cruel and irresponsible practice of sourcing eggs from caged hens, is now being adopted by companies in Africa.

A new report by the Open Wing Alliance, a global coalition of animal protection organizations, has produced a report that offers a comprehensive look at the state of cage-free commitments across the African continent.

“Companies active and operating in Africa have a tremendous opportunity-and responsibility-to benefit the well-being of people, the environment, and animals on a huge, and growing, scale.” The report reads in part.

“That’s because Africa’s population and formal economy are projected to increase more than that of any other continent in the coming years. At this pivotal moment of transition, cage-free commitments will be critical in ensuring that hundreds of millions of hens are protected from life in a cage.”

The report mentions that;

“Over 80 companies operating in Africa, including major ones like Famous Brands and Majid Al Futtaim (exclusive franchisee of retail giant Carrefour in Egypt, Cameroon, Kenya and Uganda), have already pledged to spare millions of hens from cruelty in their supply chains by making cage-free commitments. But others, like the retailer Pick n Pay, are lagging behind.”

“Market leaders across all industries are pledging to go cage-free in Africa. The food manufacturing and hotel industries are leading the way with the highest number of companies committed (30 and 25, respectively), including sector leaders such as Unilever & Marriott.”

“The restaurant and foodservice industry is also showing significant progress with over 20 companies committed, including leading groups like Famous Brands and Sodexo. Retailers, however, are lagging behind, with only a few companies like Majid Al Futtaim having made cage-free commitments.”

In the coming years, the population and formal economy of Africa are projected to increase more than any other continent—meaning that urgent cage-free commitments will be pivotal in protecting hundreds of millions of hens from being confined to cages.

Urgent cage-free commitments will be pivotal in protecting hundreds of millions of hens from being confined to cages.