Kroger broke its cage-free promise and millions of hens are paying the price
Kroger, one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, told the public it would stop the use of one of the worst forms of animal suffering: confining hens in cages so small they can’t even spread their wings.
But instead of keeping that promise, Kroger backtracked, leaving millions of hens trapped in cages for years to come.
KROGER MISLED CONSUMERS AND CHOSE PROFITS OVER ITS PROMISE
Kroger brings in billions in profit each year and has the means to go fully cage-free, yet it has backed away from its promise. Once committed to 100% cage-free eggs by 2025, it now targets only 70% with no plan to finish the job, misleading customers about what to expect.
Other major companies are already doing it.
- States across the U.S. are banning cage confinement
- Countries around the world are phasing out cages
- Companies like Sainsbury’s and Waitrose moved away from caged eggs
Instead of leading, Kroger is falling behind. Instead of taking accountability, Kroger is offering excuses.
Kroger supports extreme animal cruelty
Behind Kroger’s eggs are hens confined in battery cages. While cage-free is certainly not cruelty-free, we cannot continue to allow companies to make empty promises and continue to profit while animals are subjected to the most extreme forms of confinement.
These birds are crammed into wire cages so small they can’t spread their wings. They are forced to stand on painful flooring, unable to walk, nest, or behave naturally for their entire lives.
Many suffer from injuries like feather loss, open wounds, and broken bones. The psychological stress can lead to abnormal and desperate behaviours.
Kroger knows exactly how these hens are treated. And it continues to profit from this extreme cruelty.
Who is responsible?
Decisions like these don’t happen in isolation.
They are overseen by the people at the very top of the company.
Kroger’s Board of Directors is responsible for holding the company accountable – and ensuring it delivers on its commitments.
That includes Nora Aufreiter.
Why we’re calling on Nora Aufreiter
As a member of Kroger’s Board, Nora Aufreiter has influence over the company’s direction and decisions.
She has the power – and the responsibility – to ensure Kroger follows through on its promise to end cages.
But her influence doesn’t stop at Kroger.
She also sits on the boards of major international companies with a presence in the UK, including Mytheresa and Scotiabank.That gives us a critical opportunity to apply pressure.
TELL NORA AUFREITER SHE CAN FIX THIS
Nora Aufreiter sits on Kroger’s board as millions of hens remain confined in cages so small they cannot spread their wings. Kroger previously promised to end this practice, but that commitment remains unfulfilled. With her experience in corporate governance, she has a responsibility to help deliver change.
Tell Nora Aufreiter: Take Action
Taking action beyond Kroger
While Kroger operates in the United States, its leadership is globally connected.
We are calling on companies linked to Nora Aufreiter to use their influence to demand accountability.
These companies benefit from public trust.
They cannot ignore their association with a board member linked to ongoing extreme animal suffering.
Mytheresa is tied to animal suffering
Nora Aufreiter sits on the board of Mytheresa and is connected to animal suffering.
Tell Mytheresa: Take action
Mytheresa relies on its reputation as a responsible luxury brand, but its connection to Nora Aufreiter raises serious questions about leadership accountability. Send a message urging Mytheresa to use its position to encourage Nora Aufreiter to push Kroger to deliver on its cage-free pledge and stop profiting off the extreme confinement of millions of hens.
Scotiabank is associated with animal suffering
Nora Aufreiter sits on the board of Scotiabank and is connected to animal suffering.
Tell Scotiabank: Take Action
Scotiabank relies on its reputation for responsible leadership, but keeping Nora Aufreiter on its board raises serious questions about accountability. Send a message urging Scotiabank to use its position to encourage Nora Aufreiter to push Kroger to stop profiting off the extreme confinement of millions of hens and fulfill its cage-free pledge.
This is a global campaign
From the United States to the UK, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, and Germany, people are taking action.
We are building international pressure to demand one simple thing:
End cages.
While cage-free eliminates the most extreme confinement, it is not cruelty-free. Ending cages is only the first step in moving away from animal exploitation entirely.
What is Kroger’s cage-free egg policy?
+Kroger originally committed to 100% cage-free eggs but has reduced its goal to 70% by 2030.
This means millions of hens are still expected to remain confined in cages for years to come.
Why are battery cages cruel?
+Battery cages severely restrict movement, preventing hens from walking, stretching their wings, or engaging in natural behaviours.
This constant confinement leads to physical injuries such as feather loss, open wounds, and broken bones, as well as significant psychological stress.
Do hens still suffer in cage-free systems?
+While ending cages is an important step in reducing suffering, it does not eliminate the exploitation of animals in the egg industry.
The most effective way to prevent this suffering entirely is to move away from animal products and choose plant-based alternatives.
Why are you targeting Kroger’s board of directors?
+Corporate policies are ultimately overseen by a company’s Board of Directors.
Boards are responsible for ensuring that companies follow through on their public commitments and act in line with stated policies.
When companies fail to meet their pledges, accountability must extend to the individuals responsible for governance and oversight – not just the brand itself.
That is why this campaign focuses on board-level influence.
Why are you focusing on Nora Aufreiter specifically?
+Nora Aufreiter is a member of Kroger’s Board of Directors.
This means she has a role in overseeing company direction and ensuring accountability for major commitments – including Kroger’s cage-free policy.
She is also connected to companies with a presence in the UK, including Mytheresa and Scotiabank.
This creates additional points of influence where public pressure can be applied to highlight Kroger’s failure to deliver on its promise.
How can I take action against Kroger profiting off animal suffering?
+You can use the email tools above to contact Nora Aufreiter, Mytheresa, and Scotiabank directly, urging them to take responsibility and act on their connections to Kroger’s leadership.
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