Ahold Delhaize USA has released new sustainability targets related to two animal welfare issues: cage-free eggs and group-housed pork, given the current targets will not be met as a result of industry supply, affordability and customer demand.
The new targets are designed to meet customer needs, while also advancing Ahold Delhaize USA companies’ commitment to sustainability.
Cage-free eggs
By no later than the end of 2030, Ahold Delhaize USA aims to achieve 70 percent cage-free shell egg unit sales and will further aim to achieve 100 percent by no later than the end of 2032. Beginning in 2025, Ahold Delhaize USA will pilot signage to distinguish cage-free eggs for customers, with the intention to apply learnings from the pilot going forward.
To show its commitment to forward progress, Ahold Delhaize USA will continue to evaluate and modify shelled egg assortments in each of its brands, starting in 2025, by increasing the percent of cage-free SKUs while decreasing caged SKUs for both private brand and national brand shelled eggs. To achieve this ambition, availability within the supply chain, demand among customers, as well as legislation and regulatory compliance with programs like WIC, are all critical factors in achieving this progress.
The transition to cage-free eggs will require strong collaboration and partnership among partners, farmers, suppliers and customers.
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Group-housed pork
By no later than the end of 2028, Ahold Delhaize USA aims to transition to 100 percent group-housed pork for fresh whole muscle, single ingredient private label and national brand products.
“As a leader in grocery retail, we take seriously the role our companies play in sustainability and driving more sustainable outcomes,” said Marc Stolzman, chief sustainability officer at Ahold Delhaize USA.
“As with many complex sustainability topics, we recognize that obstacles remain; yet we remain committed to working with other key stakeholders to advance progress on this journey, as we know achieving our ambition requires deep collaboration, as well as innovation in the supply chain and affordability for customers.”
Ahold Delhaize USA aims to make progress each year and will remain committed to reporting its progress annually.
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