Aldi is implementing new packaging reflecting updated stocking densities for fresh chickens, underscoring its commitment to animal welfare. From 30 October, Aldi will provide shoppers with labels highlighting these welfare improvements. Fresh chickens will have 20% more space than industry norms, continuing Aldi’s proactive animal welfare stance. This follows the retailer’s initiative to go cage-free ahead of schedule. Aldi is one of the UK’s major chicken suppliers, contributing to higher welfare standards.
Aldi is set to introduce revised packaging for its fresh chicken products, which will reflect updated stocking density guidelines. This strategy aligns with Aldi’s ongoing commitment to improving animal welfare by offering consumers detailed information on packaging. Commencing on 30 October, these new labels will inform shoppers about the improved living conditions being afforded to the supermarket’s poultry.
This alteration, which was first disclosed earlier in the year, ensures that all fresh chicken products will benefit from a 20% increase in space compared to the prevailing industry standards. Such a move is indicative of Aldi’s determined approach to set higher welfare standards across its range of poultry products. This initiative follows the company’s recent achievement of eliminating caged eggs from its product line, successfully reaching this milestone over a year ahead of their scheduled timeline.
Julie Ashfield, Aldi’s managing director of buying, remarked: “Animal welfare is of paramount importance to us, and we’ve been working hard with our suppliers to reduce stocking density to help us improve the welfare conditions for chickens.” She emphasised Aldi’s prominent role in the UK’s chicken market, adding that from the following week, Aldi would be providing consumers access to higher welfare chicken options at competitive prices.
This development follows comparable actions by other retailers such as Lidl, which also aims to enhance chicken welfare by increasing spatial allowances. Initiatives like these by Aldi and its competitors demonstrate a growing trend in the retail sector towards prioritising animal welfare, setting benchmarks above industry expectations.
The transition to reduced stocking densities is part of a broader movement aimed at lowering the maximum density to 30kg per square metre. Such efforts are expected to reach completion by early 2025, marking a significant milestone in promoting animal welfare within retail supply chains.
Aldi’s introduction of enhanced stocking density labels is a significant stride in aligning retail practices with heightened animal welfare standards.
