Co-op has becomes the first UK convenience retailer to confirm a move to higher welfare standards across its continental meat supply chain, and that this will be met by the end of the year.
Co-op will fully meet its cage-free commitment across its Spanish, German and Italian meat offer. The move will see products such as Prosciutto, Parma Ham, Salami, Mortadella and Chorizo sourced from pigs raised without confinement, reinforcing Co-op’s longstanding dedication to animal welfare and responsible sourcing.
Farrowing crates and sow stalls will now be banned across the retailer’s continental meat range, following a ban made in 2018 across Co-op’s fresh pork, bacon, sausage, gammon and ham ranges.
Joseph Keating (left), Co-op’s senior agriculture manager, said: “Meeting our 100% cage-free commitment across our continental meat range is a significant step forward for Co-op and reflects our unwavering dedication to lead the way in improving animal welfare standards across our supply chains.
“Our long-term partnership with The Compleat Food Group has been instrumental in delivering these improvements, and together we’re proud to set a new benchmark for the industry.”
Co-op’s longstanding supplier partner, Compleat Food Group was intrinsic to the move, sharing a joint drive to improve animal welfare standards across Europe, now and in the future.
Dr Tracey Jones, global director of food business at Compassion in World Farming, said: “We’re delighted the Co-op will meet its pledge to end the use of farrowing crates and sow stalls in its continental meat supply by year-end, fulfilling its 2025 commitment under Compassion’s Cage Free Award.
Combined with its UK outdoor-bred pig production and free-range eggs and own brand egg products, the Co-op is demonstrating leadership in advancing the cage-free agenda.”
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