Elior Group commits to sourcing cage-free eggs worldwide by 2025
Elior Group has become the latest foodservice company to commit to only sourcing cage-free eggs for its global supply chain, which it intends to do by 2025.
The company's decision follows conversations with the Humane League and L214 - representatives of Open Wing Alliance, a global coalition of animal protection organisations.
The new policy will affect all eggs sold in Elior's 18,600 restaurants and points of sale in 13 countries, which include catering and foodservice for the business & industry, education, healthcare and travel markets.
Aaron Ross, director of campaigns at the Humane League, said: "Elior Group's commitment to eliminate the use of cruel cages in its global egg supply is a huge step in the right direction for farmed animal protection.
"We are continuing to build momentum on global cage-free commitments, and Elior's new policy will likely inspire more food companies to produce similar commitments."
Elior serves four million customers daily with a large presence in France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Latin America.
The foodservice company supplies the in-house catering to commercial and government-owned establishments around the world. It is the second-largest provider of school meals in France and runs the catering for many well-known private schools in the UK. The foodservice and catering company owns and/or has contracts with the UK's Ministry of Defence, multiple museums in London and Wales, and several restaurants including those at the Louvre.
Brigitte Gothière, co-founder of L214, said: "When the leading foodservice company in France turns its back on cage eggs, we can be sure that cage hen farming is close to its end. Elior's decision is a sign that the animals' condition has become a significant ethical issue in society."
Foodservice providers Compass Group and Sodexo have already made the pledge along with companies including the Casual Dining Group, InterContinental Hotels Group, Pepsico and Unilever.
Compass Group commits to sourcing cage-free eggs worldwide by 2025 >>
Casual Dining Group commits to sourcing 100% free range eggs by 2025 >>
Sodexo commits to sourcing cage free eggs worldwide by 2025 >>