Three more companies commit to go cage-free

Three companies have recently announced cage-free commitments for their products. Both international business groups Focus Brands and Groupe Le Duff have published a 100% cage-free policy to be applied to all of its brands internationally after a campaign by Open Wing Alliance, which Sinergia Animal is part of. In parallel, Chilean restaurant chain Tquila announced a commitment to all of its locations in the country.

With more than 6,300 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and bakeries in more than 60 countries, the US-based foodservice franchisor Focus Brands has committed to source 100% of its eggs from cage-free suppliers. The transition is set to be fully completed by 2026 in the US and Canada and by 2028 globally.

With a move of similar magnitude, France-based Groupe Le Duff has also released a global cage-free policy to all of its brands including Brioche Dorée. Operating in 100 countries with more than 1,500 restaurants and bakeries, the company has committed to only use eggs from cage-free farms in all of its operations by 2025.

In Chile, the Mexican themed restaurant and bar chain Tquila has pledged to ban the use of products from suppliers that confine hens in battery cage systems. With currently 6 locations in the country, the company will finish its transition to a full cage-free operation by 2025. This is a big advance that will impact the lives of thousands of animals in Chile.

Battery cages are considered one of the cruelest practices in animal farming. In these intensive systems, egg-laying hens are unable to perform many of their natural behaviors, such as spreading their wings completely, pecking, and nesting. Due to the extreme confinement, they experience high stress levels and are much more susceptible to the development of painful illnesses.

Sinergia Animal uses dialogue, negotiations, and awareness campaigns to encourage major food companies to adopt cage-free policies in their supply chains.