Statement on cage-free eggs
In August 2022, gategroup committed to purchasing 100% cage-free egg products (including shell eggs, liquid eggs, and mixes containing more than 80% egg) by the end of 2025. Progress in certain regions has been slower than expected, primarily due to the limited market availability of processed ingredients that meet all our quality requirements (e.g., pasteurized eggs). In 2025, 64% of egg products were cage-free globally. This shows our strong commitment and progress to the topic as we have grown the physical supply of cage-free eggs from 27% in 2022.
Although full implementation is taking longer than anticipated, we remain committed and will continue working with the Lever Foundation and other organizations to expand cage-free (and better) options worldwide. As an example, our egg products in the UK come from chickens raised in free-range farms.
While some market participants are choosing to use cage-free egg certificates, gategroup focuses on ensuring a physical cage-free supply for our operations. We believe this approach delivers more tangible and beneficial outcomes for animal welfare in the long run.
Plan of action to achieve 100% cage-free
We aim to fulfil our global plans to achieve a supply chain of 100% cage free eggs by 2028, subject to the availability of our required raw materials. Due to strict food safety considerations in our operations across the globe, we are seeking for egg products that meet the following requirements and look forward to engaging with manufacturers and processors to achieve our goal of reliable and seamless supply:
• Pasteurized liquid cage-free egg available in required quantities
• Supply to all our operations and delivery locations, including defined specifications and respective food safety certification
• Culinary and economic acceptance to support our chefs’ tailormade creations
• Guaranteed quantities not effected by market disturbances (e.g., avian flu outbreaks or other)
Updated progress report including regional breakdown:
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2028 |
Reporting geographic region | actual | actual | actual | actual | target |
Europe | 43% | 55% | 76% | 80% | 100% |
North America* | 32% | 50% | 68% | 97% | 100% |
Oceania* | 9% | 97% | 40% | 29% | 100% |
Japan** | <5% | <5% | 86% | 70% | 100% |
Korea | <5% | <5% | 25% | 30% | 100% |
Other Asia | <5% | <5% | <5% | 21% | 100% |
LatAm | <5% | <5% | <5% | <5% | 100% |
Africa | <5% | <5% | <5% | <10% | 100% |
Overall | 27% | 43% | 55% | 64% | 100% |
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* Remark: in year 2025, 100% was aimed for, but was not achievable due to avian flue
** Japan values saw a temporary decline due to decreased volume of highest cage free eggs products sold
We are motivated by the result that we have achieved already and work together with our supply partners (and other supporters) to achieve our goal by the end of 2028.
