WattAgNett: More cage-free egg commitments made

Written February 25, 2016

Company commitments to use and sell cage-free eggs continue in the United States, as Ahold USA, Bloomin’ Brands and Krysal have all announced a transition in their egg supplies.

Ahold USA is the parent company of grocery store chains Stop & Shop, Giant Food of Landover, Giant Food Stores of Carlisle and Martin's as well as online grocer Peapod.

Bloomin’ Brands is the parent company of restaurant chains Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar.

The three companies join a long list of companies already to announce a transition to cage-free eggs in 2016. Other companies to do so include: IHOP, Applebee’s, Golden Corral, CVS, Overview, Scaddabush, Jack Astor’s, Canyon Creek, Alice Fazooli’s, Far Niente, REDS, Four, Petit Four, Loose Moose, Cracker Barrel, Trader Joe’s, Cara Foods, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Taco John’s, Burger King, Tim Hortons, Starwood Hotels and Resorts,  Sonic, Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s, Bob Evans, White Castle, P.F. Chang’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Target, ConAgra, Campbell’s, Mondel?z International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Denny’s, Quiznos, and Wendy’s.

Ahold USA

As part of its responsible retailing efforts, all of Ahold USA ‘s private label shell eggs, which account for about 80 percent of all eggs sold, will be cage-free by 2022.

"Animal welfare is a fundamental part of our responsible retailing program," said Marissa Nelson, senior vice president of responsible retailing and healthy living, Ahold USA. "We believe that cage-free environments are a more humane way to treat hens, and we have committed to have all of our private label shell eggs 100 percent cage-free, subject to available supply."

"Ahold USA companies are deeply committed to providing customers with great products at great prices from suppliers who share our dedication to the highest standards of animal welfare. Ahold USA and our retail divisions will continue to work with the most reputable suppliers to source our private label cage-free shell eggs produced with respect for the animal."

Ahold USA has nearly 800 stores. The company is headquartered in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Bloomin’ Brands

Bloomin’ Brands, headquartered in Tampa, Florida, will completely transition to a cage-free egg supply by 2025, the company recently announced.

The change will affect about 1,500 restaurants in 48 states, Puerto Rico and Guam.

"Our guests expect us to source and purchase wholesome ingredients responsibly," said Juan Guerrero, senior vice president and chief global supply chain officer, Bloomin' Brands.  "We are working with our suppliers to ensure we meet or exceed this deadline."

In 2004 the company created an advisory council comprised of animal science and food safety experts who provide guidance on advancements in animal welfare and food safety.  All protein suppliers must adhere to strict animal welfare guidelines and are subject to independent, third party audits each year, according to a press release from the company.

Krystal

Krystal, a quick-service restaurant chain headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, will completely switch to using cage-free eggs by 2026. The company operates more than 350 restaurants in 11 states.

"In response to consumers' changing preferences, we have informed our egg suppliers of our expectation that they fully transition to cage-free eggs by 2026," said Omar Janjua, President and CEO of The Krystal Company.

The chain offers a variety of breakfast products that use eggs, including the Sunriser sandwich, Scrambler bowl, biscuit sandwiches and a variety of platters and other protein-rich menu options.