Press Release
Ahold Delhaize USA Releases New Targets for Cage-Free Eggs and Group-Housed Pork
Dec. 09, 2024
Description
The new targets are designed to meet customer needs, while also advancing Ahold Delhaize USA companies’ commitment to sustainability
Details:
Ahold Delhaize USA today announced new sustainability targets related to two animal welfare issues: cage-free eggs and group-housed pork, given the current targets will not be met as a result of industry supply, affordability and customer demand. The new targets are designed to meet customer needs, while also advancing Ahold Delhaize USA companies’ commitment to sustainability.
- Cage-Free Eggs: By no later than the end of 2030, Ahold Delhaize USA aims to achieve 70% cage-free shell egg unit sales and will further aim to achieve 100% by no later than the end of 2032. Beginning in 2025, Ahold Delhaize USA will pilot signage to distinguish cage-free eggs for customers, with the intention to apply learnings from the pilot going forward. To show our strong commitment to forward progress, we will continue to evaluate and modify shelled egg assortments in each of our brands, starting in 2025, by increasing the percent of cage-free SKUs while decreasing caged SKUs for both private brand and national brand shelled eggs. It’s important to note that to achieve this ambition, availability within the supply chain, demand among customers, as well as legislation and regulatory compliance with programs like WIC, are all critical factors in achieving this progress. We recognize this work cannot be done alone. The transition to cage-free eggs will require strong collaboration and partnership among partners, farmers, suppliers and customers, and we look forward to bringing these stakeholders along this journey.
-Group-Housed Pork: By no later than the end of 2028, Ahold Delhaize USA aims to transition to 100% group-housed pork for fresh whole muscle, single ingredient private label and national brand products.
“As a leader in grocery retail, we take seriously the role our companies play in sustainability and driving more sustainable outcomes,” said Marc Stolzman, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ahold Delhaize USA. “As with many complex sustainability topics, we recognize that obstacles remain; yet, we remain committed to working with other key stakeholders to advance progress on this journey, as we know achieving our ambition requires deep collaboration, as well as innovation in the supply chain and affordability for customers.”
Ahold Delhaize USA aims to make progress each year and will remain committed to reporting its progress annually.
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