Kraft Heinz and Schwan Food are the latest manufacturers to announce their intent to source cage-free eggs. Kraft Heinz will transition to using 100% cage-free eggs in all North American operations by 2025. Meanwhile, Schwan Food plans to switch its supply chain to 100% cage-free eggs by the end of 2020.
Kraft Heinz sources eggs in North America primarily for use within its condiments portfolio including brands like Miracle Whip, Heinz Mayo, and Kraft Salad Dressings. The company defines cage-free eggs as those laid by hens allowed to walk, nest, and engage in other behaviors in an open area.
For Schwan Food, the cage-free transition will include all foods containing eggs and sold by a subsidiary of The Schwan Food Company, including Schwan’s Home Service, Schwan’s Consumer Brands, and Schwan’s Food Service. The company made its cage-free commitment after consulting with animal-welfare experts and its suppliers about the future cage-free egg supply. The company’s plans are subject to the availability of certified cage-free eggs.
“Reflecting our mission ‘To Be the Best Food Company, Growing a Better World,’ we’re committed to responsible, sustainable practices extending to every facet of our business,” said Michael Mullen, senior vice president of corporate and government affairs, Kraft Heinz. “Making the move to source our eggs exclusively from cage-free hens builds on progress made by both Kraft and Heinz in previous years and reinforces our continuing pursuit of animal welfare improvements throughout our supply chain.”
