Nestlé has set a goal to source only eggs from cage-free hens for all its food products globally by 2025. This includes all shell eggs and egg products directly sourced as ingredients by Nestlé. In Europe and the US, Nestlé will make the transition by the end of 2020. For the rest of the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania it will happen by 2025, with the move in Asia to be completed in the same transition period, as conditions allow.

In some parts of the world, such as in Europe, over 40 percent of eggs used by Nestlé is already from cage-free sources.

Nestlé’s purpose is to enhance the quality of life and contribute to a healthier future. This includes ensuring decent welfare standards for animals that are reared for the ingredients used in its products.

A statement from the company read: “Our purpose is to enhance the quality of life and contribute to a healthier future. This includes ensuring decent welfare standards for animals that are reared for the ingredients used in our products.”

“To help drive welfare improvements for egg-laying hens, our goal is to use only cage-free eggs for all of our food products globally by 2025. This includes all shell eggs and egg products (e.g. whole egg powder and liquid, egg white powder and liquid) directly sourced as ingredients by Nestlé.”

“In Europe and the US, we will make this transition by the end of 2020. For the rest of the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania we will do so by 2025 and in Asia, we will aim for the same transition period as conditions allow.”

“In some parts of the world, such as in Europe, over 40 percent of our eggs are already from cage-free sources. In other regions, it may be more challenging to make this change. We are however committed to bringing about positive change through working with our partners.”

“Switching to cage-free supplies worldwide requires time and investment. We will manage this in a sustainable and cost-effective way during the implementation period, ensuring consumers continue to access affordable high-quality foods throughout. We look forward to working with our suppliers, farmers, civil society and customers to drive progress,” reads the statement.