International contract caterer Compass Group PLC has announced a global commitment to go cage-free for all its shell and liquid egg supplies by 2025.
Nicki Crayfourd, Director of Health, Safety and Environment for Compass Group explained that improving the welfare of farm animals is a "key focus" for the company.
"We've supported the sourcing of cage free eggs since 2009," Miss Crayfour said.
"This commitment marks the next step in our responsible sourcing journey and we look forward to continuing to work with partners such as Compassion in World Farming, Humane Society International and The Humane League who provide invaluable support and guidance."
Philip Lymbery, CEO of Compassion in World Farming, said: "I am delighted that Compass has become one of the leading businesses in the cage-free movement.
"I hope that their commitment to go cage-free globally on all liquid and shell eggs by 2025 will be a catalyst for others to follow their example.
"I couldn’t be more proud of the work of our Food Business team, who continually engage with leading food companies to create positive change for farm animals on a global scale.
"The phenomenal market shift towards cage-free production we are witnessing this year is exactly what this work aims to achieve."
'Summer of cage-free momentum'
Compass’ move follows a summer of cage-free momentum during which many of the UK’s major retailers and a growing number of businesses within the foodservice sector have publicly turned their backs on the cage.
These commitments build on decades of work by Compassion in World Farming and other animal welfare NGOs including the Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International and the Humane League, advocating for better lives for farm animals.
Today’s announcement follows a similar commitment made recently by Sodexo, the world’s second largest food service provider, also to switch to a 100 per cent cage-free egg supply chain for its global operations.
Compass Group joins a growing number of companies that have committed to cage-free egg policies worldwide including Alsea, Unilever, Grupo Bimbo, Nestlé, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Lidl.
