Lidl has committed to selling 100% Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)-assured free-range eggs by the end of 2024.
The supermarket said on Monday (October 3), that the decision to do so was made in an effort to reinforce its commitment to the welfare and conditions in which hens are housed.
Chief trading officer of Lidl GB, Martin Kottbaeur said: “We know that, in addition to the taste, the welfare and conditions in which hens are housed is important to our customers.”
The supermarket has pledged to work with suppliers to phase out the sale of eggs from caged hens in stores by 2025.
As part of its commitment to championing British produce, 100% of Lidl GB’s fresh shell eggs are sourced from British suppliers and are produced under the British Lion Mark.
As the supermarket transitions to selling only free-range eggs, it is working closely with its egg suppliers and has introduced longer-term contracts to help ensure that they have security and certainty needed to invest for the future.
“Our commitment to selling 100% free-range eggs by the end of 2024 builds on our strong credentials as a grocer which sources sustainably and responsibly, offering the highest-quality produce at affordable prices,” Kottbauer added.
“Whilst are overall market share is currently 7.1%, we know that 12% of all fresh shell eggs are brought through Lidl, and we therefore hope that this commitment will help create positive change across the industry.”
