Major global conglomerate, Ahold Delhaize, pledges to end use of cages for animals
Global food retailer Ahold Delhaize has formally agreed to shift its US supply chain away from cages for hens and pigs. The announcement follows a year-long campaign by animal protection organisations, including Animal Equality.
We were proud of this achievement for animals, and want to recognise the many organisations in the US and abroad whose campaign work made this agreement possible.
Under the agreement, Ahold Delhaize will source its products from suppliers that no longer keep animals in cages. The company is also committed to issuing annual progress reports to ensure accountability. Ahold Delhaize’s commitment is estimated to affect about 5-7 million hens in the egg industry, as well as thousands of female pigs used for breeding in the meat industry.
Ahold Delhaize is doing what is showing responsibility by eliminating one of the cruellest farming practices in industrial agriculture. We are pleased with the company’s announcement and call on its competitors, Kroger and Target, to follow their lead.
— Sharon Núñez
Changes to be seen at major US supermarket brands
The updated standards will apply across Ahold Delhaize’s US supermarket brands, including Stop & Shop, Giant Food, Hannaford, and Food Lion.
The company has also pledged to introduce clearer signage in its US stores in 2026 that will discourage consumers from buying caged eggs. The sourcing changes will be phased in over the next several years, with a complete ban on pigs by 2028 and on hens by 2032.
The advocacy campaign spanned multiple countries
Animal Equality’s campaign included shareholder engagement, corporate dialogue, public demonstrations, and the release of investigative footage tied to the company’s supply chain.
Advocacy actions took place in US cities including Portland, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, Quincy, and Rosemont, as well as internationally in São Paulo, Copenhagen, Berlin, Hamburg, Holzminden, Mexico City, Milan, Zaandam, Amsterdam, Madrid, and London.
Animal Equality is dedicated to continuing dialogue with Ahold Delhaize to monitor progress and ensure the company follows through on its commitment.
The campaign was supported by several animal protection organisations and activists from around the world.
This pledge is a step forward in our work to end animal cruelty. We want to recognise the many organisations in the US and abroad whose work also made this announcement possible.
— Sharon Núñez
Why this matters for animals
While cage-free is certainly not cruelty-free, cages are used in factory farms to confine large numbers of animals in small spaces. Animal protection organisations have long criticised these cages for restricting animals’ movement and natural behaviours.
Nearly a dozen US states have passed laws limiting or banning cages. Similar restrictions are in place in the European Union, where Ahold Delhaize is headquartered. This agreement adds Ahold Delhaize to a list of major retailers and restaurants attempting to keep up with consumer demands for animals.
What’s next?
The UK is at a turning point. A new Government consultation has just launched, asking the public if it’s finally time to ban cages for egg-laying hens for good.
At Animal Equality, we know this is a once-in-a-generation chance to change the law. Right now, seven million hens are still kept in cages every year across the country. By taking a few minutes to respond to the consultation, you can help ensure the Government hears a loud and clear “no” to cages.
This isn’t just a policy change; it’s a life-changing shift for millions of animals. We want to make sure as many people as possible have their voices heard.
Want to learn more? Get in touch with us at Info at Animal Equality UK to find out how to submit your response.
While we rely on people like you to help make the world a better place for animals through consultations, protests, and other actions across the globe, the most impactful step you can take for these hens is to leave eggs off your plate. Choosing plant-based meals is a powerful way to protect animals and stand up for them, one meal at a time.
Defend hens and chicks
Each chicken has less than the space of a single sheet of A4 paper to live in on a typical UK egg farm. You can save chickens from a life of misery by replacing eggs in your meals with plant-based alternatives.
