UK convenience retailer Co-op has confirmed it will move to higher welfare standards across its continental meat supply chain by the end of the year.
The retailer said it will meet its cage-free commitment across its Spanish, German and Italian meat offer. The move will reportedly see products such as Prosciutto, Parma Ham, Salami, Mortadella and Chorizo sourced from pigs raised without confinement, reinforcing Co-op’s longstanding dedication to animal welfare and responsible sourcing.
Farrowing crates and sow stalls will now be banned across the retailer’s continental meat range, and follows a ban made in 2018 across Co-op’s fresh pork, bacon, sausage, gammon and ham ranges.
Co-op said its supplier partner the Compleat Food Group was “intrinsic” to the move, sharing a joint drive to improve animal welfare standards across Europe, now and in the future
Joseph Keating, Co-op senior agriculture manager, commented: “Meeting our 100% cage-free commitment across our continental meat range is a significant step forward for Co-op and reflects our unwavering dedication to lead the way in improving animal welfare standards across our supply chains.
“Our long-term partnership with The Compleat Food Group has been instrumental in delivering these improvements, and together we’re proud to set a new benchmark for the industry.”
Dr Tracey Jones, global director of food business at Compassion in World Farming, said: “We’re delighted the Co-op will meet its pledge to end the use of farrowing crates and sow stalls in its continental meat supply by year-end, fulfilling its 2025 commitment under Compassion’s Cage Free Award.
“Combined with its UK outdoor-bred pig production, and free-range eggs and own-brand egg products, the Co-op is demonstrating leadership in advancing the cage-free agenda.”
