Marks and Spencer: Most compassionate supermarket

M&S scored highest in Compassion in World Farming's Supermarket Survey, beating Waitrose and others to scoop the Compassionate Supermarket Award 2007.

The award, presented to M&S in London on 1 December 2007, is based on the results of the survey which benchmarks Compassion in World Farming's UK supermarkets on farm animal welfare. Conducted every two years, the survey is based on industry knowledge and scientific research and showed that between 2006-7, M&S was ahead of all other participating supermarkets on the welfare of laying hens, broiler chickens, dairy cattle and veal.

Dr Lesley Lambert, Director of Research and Education at Compassion in World Farming said:

'Marks & Spencer leads the way on farm animal welfare. 'Plan A' places animal welfare at the heart of their approach to business. I'm thrilled to be awarding the M&S team for their commitment to developing higher welfare standards.

'M&S has continued to confront and take ownership of ethical decisions affecting animals in its supply chain, rather than placing the responsibility on its customers.'

M&S sell only free-range and organic eggs, using 100% free-range egg ingredient. It also prohibits calf-exports for all milk supply.

Even accounting for M&S' own label format, it still came out top for leading on policies that address some of the most important concerns for the farm animals in its supply chain.