Brakes, the UK’s largest foodservice wholesaler, has announced that it has become the first major wholesaler to shift to 30kg stocking density for its own brand fresh primary chicken range.
The move, which was completed in January 2025, provides chicken with 20% more space to move around and perch, than Red Tractor standard chicken, which can be stocked at 38kg per square metre. In addition, the birds now have more access to enrichments including straw bales, perching areas, items to peck at and more natural light, Brakes said.
Brakes currently sells more than 40 own brand fresh British chicken lines, all of which are produced in the UK.
Paul Nieduszynski, chief executive of Brakes’ parent company Sysco GB, said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of our move to enhanced welfare chicken. The improvements we’ve introduced are a significant step forward, helping to set a new benchmark for bird welfare in our sector.
“We know that our customers and consumers care deeply about animal welfare, so we are pleased to be leading the wholesale sector in this area.”
At the same time as introducing the new standards, Brakes said it had worked with its suppliers to introduce an internal camera monitoring system on broiler chicken farms.