PoultryWorld: Cage-free eggs commitment comes to the Middle East

A major commitment by United Arab Emirates-based company, Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), will mean that it will only source cage-free eggs in the Carrefour stores it owns across 30 markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. MAF is the first Middle Eastern retailer to make a cage-free commitment.

The commitment, designed alongside animal charity, The Humane League, will affect all of the 420 Carrefour outlets MAF operates, with all own-brand eggs coming from cage-free birds by 2030 and all remaining eggs by 2032.

MAF operates Carrefour stores in a range of diverse nations, including the UAE, Oman, Egypt, Pakistan, Uganda, and Georgia. Although international companies with global cage-free policies operate in the Middle East, MAF is the first Middle Eastern retailer to make a cage-free commitment.

Crucial welfare standards with cage-free eggs

Hani Weiss, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim retail, said the announcement was the region’s first Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Policy to state over-arching business commitments and positions on crucial welfare standards.

“As a result of today’s announcement, our customers can expect the highest animal health and welfare standards from Carrefour throughout the region. We are dedicated to working responsibly in this area and will continue to make progress by supporting best practices across our supply chains.”

It is understood that the company will provide annual updates on progress as part of its commitment to be open and transparent.

Veganism in the Middle East

Aaron Ross, VP of policy and strategy at The Humane League, said the company’s announcement to exclusively source cage-free eggs for all its Carrefour retail operations will be a major boost for hen welfare. “This policy demonstrates that Majid Al Futtaim has true courage of their convictions, cutting edge market intelligence, and strong relationships with customers and suppliers,” he said.

Changes are afoot in the Middle East. Vegan Saudi prince Khaled bin Alwaleed Al Saud has plans for 30 plant-based restaurants in the region and Dubai recently held the Middle East’s first vegan festival.