Central Co-op raises the bar for chicken welfare standards

From today, the 28th of February, Central Co-op is pleased to announce a significant milestone in our commitment to animal welfare and sustainability. Alongside the Co-operative Group, we have enhanced our Chicken Welfare Standards in alignment with the Better Chicken Commitment, meaning our Co-op branded fresh chicken is now reared with 20% more space, providing our birds with the freedom they need to thrive.

At the heart of this initiative is our dedication to ensuring the well-being of the animals in our supply chain. By reducing the stocking density of our chickens to a maximum of 30kg/m2, we are embracing higher welfare criteria. This change results in a healthier and happier life for our chickens, promoting natural activity and behaviour while reducing stress levels and enhancing overall health.

Following a multi-million pound investment, Co-op has worked tirelessly to bring about positive change within our supply chain without having to increase the retail price of our chickens as a result. Despite initial plans to roll out these changes by the end of 2024, we are proud to announce that the lower stocking density birds are now available in stores across the UK, ten months ahead of schedule. This accelerated timeline demonstrates Co-op’s unwavering commitment to prioritising animal welfare.

Co-op's partnership with 2 Sisters Food Group has been instrumental in realising this milestone. By collaborating closely with our supplier, Co-op has successfully launched phase one of this initiative, with plans to expand further in the near future. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all British chicken used in 'added value' poultry products meets the 'Space to Thrive' standard, further solidifying our position as leaders in ethical sourcing.

Animal welfare is extremely important to us, our Members and our customers, and want to reassure customers that our commitment to quality remains unwavering. All Co-op Chicken exceeds Red Tractor standards, with RSPCA Assured Free Range chicken also available in-store. By choosing Central Co-op, customers not only enjoy high-quality products but also contribute to better welfare standards for chickens.