Unilever has confirmed it has stepped away from its global cage-free egg and broiler chicken welfare commitments, citing ongoing supply chain challenges, particularly in emerging markets.
The multinational food manufacturer said it remains fully committed to cage-free egg sourcing in Europe and North America, where it has achieved 100% compliance, but has stepped back from its global pledge after reaching 68% cage-free sourcing worldwide.
Similarly, Unilever has withdrawn from the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), which sets higher welfare standards for broiler chickens.
In statements reported by industry and campaign groups, the company said supply limitations and infrastructure constraints in emerging markets had restricted progress, making it necessary to reassess its global timelines and commitments.
Despite this, Unilever said it remains committed to continuous improvement in animal welfare, highlighting that its European and North American egg supply chains are now fully cage-free.
The announcement has drawn criticism from animal welfare organisation Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), which said the decision risks undermining progress and leaving millions of birds in lower welfare systems.
CIWF called on Unilever to reinstate both commitments and publish clear, time-bound roadmaps for full implementation, supported by detailed action plans.