Aldi is set to introduce new stocking density requirements for its fresh chicken suppliers with the aim of improving the quality of life for livestock.
The transition to the higher welfare standard, which will be complete by the end of October 2024, means that Aldi fresh chicken will have 20% more space than the industry standard.
Last month, Tesco announced the same change and said that, by the first half of 2025, all its fresh chicken will be grown with 20% more space than the industry standard.
Aldi said the switch will give each animal more space to engage in natural behaviours including stretching wings, dust bathing and roaming.
The new standard will also ensure the birds will continue to have increased access to environmental enrichment such as straw bales, perches, pecking objects and natural light.
Managing director of buying at Aldi UK, Julie Ashfield, said: “Animal welfare is of paramount importance to us.
“We’re already one of the UK’s largest providers of responsibly farmed chicken and we’ve been working hard with our suppliers to reduce stocking density to help us improve the living conditions of these animals even further.
“Thanks to this latest improvement, customers will be provided with access to higher welfare chicken at the same great value that can’t be matched.”
Tesco
Tesco said its increased space measure forms part of a range of improvements to its chicken welfare standards.
The improvements will see chickens grown at a reduced stocking density, with birds provided with 20% more space than the industry standard, which is currently 38kg/m2.
Head of sustainable agriculture and fisheries at Tesco, Natalie Smith, said: “We know how much our customers care about animal welfare, and we’re committed to improving standards across our ranges wherever possible, while maintaining great value and quality for customers.
“That’s why over the course of the next year, all our core fresh chicken will be grown to higher welfare standards, with over 20% more space than the industry standard.
“This move reaffirms our commitment to British agriculture and is a significant step-up in welfare standards for the poultry industry in the UK.
“Thanks to this move, customers can continue to make better, more sustainable choices while still enjoying the same great value.”
