UK retailer Tesco will provide an addition £50 million a year to its suppliers and farmers as it boosts its fresh chicken welfare standards.
Tesco has completed a “significant enhancement” in welfare standards for all its core fresh chicken ranges, stating that the change would ensure customers can access chicken that is raised with 20% more space than the industry standard.
The retailer announced it would provide additional financial support to its suppliers and farmers of around £50 million a year to help implement the enhancements in chicken welfare and associated costs.
Tesco will continue to include its chicken in its Aldi Price Match and Clubcard Prices initiatives, giving customers access to chicken with enhanced welfare standards.
Ben, a Tesco chicken farmer, commented: “We’re a family-run business that’s been supplying Tesco with chicken for more than 25 years. The recent change to reduce the stocking density of our chicken, providing them with more space, has made a big difference to the welfare of our chickens and the working environment of our dedicated farm team.
“When you buy our chicken from Tesco, you’re supporting farms that treat their animals with respect and care. The extra space allows our chickens to be themselves, which means they’re healthier and our poultry is of the highest quality – all while supporting British farms like ours.”
“This commitment not only supports British agriculture but also significantly enhances welfare standards across the UK’s poultry industry.”
Claire Lorains, Tesco
Claire Lorains, group quality and sustainability director at Tesco, said: “We are committed to continuously improving animal welfare and standards, while maintaining great value and quality for customers. We’ve worked closely with our British farmers to ensure all our core fresh chicken meets higher welfare standards, providing 20% more space than the industry norm.
“This commitment not only supports British agriculture but also significantly enhances welfare standards across the UK’s poultry industry. Customers can buy high-quality chicken, while still enjoying the same great value.”
