Kroger board member confronted outside New York Stock Exchange
More than 30 Animal Equality activists gathered outside the New York Stock Exchange on October 20, 2026, as Kroger held its annual Investor Day inside.
After the event, activists approached board member Nora Aufreiter on the streets of New York City, urging her, as head of sustainability, to take responsibility for the millions of hens still in cages. She walked away without responding.
Kroger’s broken cage-free commitment reaches its investors
Kroger’s investors heard a presentation on the company’s business performance. What was not on the agenda: the cage-free promise Kroger made to its customers in 2016 and quietly walked away from.
Kroger has had years to make good on its promise to protect hens, yet millions of birds remain in cages. We’re bringing this issue to the company’s investors because Kroger can’t keep ignoring the consequences of its decision. We’re ready to meet, find a way forward, and secure a resolution that protects animals. The question is whether Kroger is finally ready to do the same.” — Dane Charbeneau, Campaigns Manager, Animal Equality
Kroger originally pledged to source 100% cage-free eggs by 2025. In 2022, it weakened that commitment to approximately 70% cage-free or higher-welfare eggs by 2030. Millions of hens remain confined in cages, unable to fully spread their wings or engage in natural behaviors.
Animal Equality calls on Kroger’s investors to act
Animal Equality has targeted Kroger board members across multiple countries as part of its international campaign calling on the company to meet with the organization and work toward a solution that protects hens.
To date, approximately 100 protests and other actions have taken place across multiple countries, including near-daily demonstrations outside Kroger’s Cincinnati headquarters since May 2026.
Kroger has still not agreed to meet with Animal Equality.
Tell Kroger’s investors it is time to hold the company accountable.
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