Animal Equality activists protest outside the CMMA opening reception at Pins Mechanical Co. in Cincinnati on October 25, 2026, calling on Kroger to fulfill its broken cage-free commitment.

Animal Equality activists protest outside the CMMA opening reception at Pins Mechanical Co. in Cincinnati on October 25, 2026, calling on Kroger to fulfill its broken cage-free commitment.

Animal Equality disrupts Kroger-sponsored conference in Cincinnati

Animal Equality disrupted the opening reception of a Kroger-sponsored conference in Cincinnati and confronted a senior Kroger director who declined to respond to questions about the company’s broken cage-free commitment.

October 28, 2026

Updated: October 28, 2026

Chelsea McInnis

Communications Coordinator

From October 25 to 27, 2026, Animal Equality protested at multiple stops across Cincinnati during the Communications Media Management Association (CMMA) conference. Kroger is a corporate member of CMMA and a Kroger executive serves on its board.

Activists demonstrated outside conference venues, disrupted the opening reception, and confronted a senior Kroger director who declined to respond to questions.

An Animal Equality activist speaks up inside a Kroger-sponsored event in Cincinnati to draw attention to the company’s broken cage-free commitment. — During a Kroger-sponsored event in Cincinnati, an Animal Equality activist stood up inside the venue to make Kroger’s broken cage-free commitment heard by those in attendance.

Kroger director declines to respond to Animal Equality

As Sayer Crompton, a senior director at Kroger, was leaving the reception, Animal Equality activists approached him with questions about Kroger’s broken cage-free commitment.

Crompton declined to respond, continuing a pattern of silence that includes Kroger board member Nora Aufreiter walking away from Animal Equality activists outside the company’s annual Investor Day at the New York Stock Exchange days earlier.

There is not only a pattern of cruelty, but a troubling pattern of silence at Kroger. We asked Sayer Crompton direct questions publicly. Once again, Kroger chose not to answer them. What does Kroger have to hide?” We are ready to talk. Kroger can meet with us at any time. Our doors are open.” — Sharon Núñez, President of Animal Equality

Animal Equality calls on CMMA to push Kroger on cage-free

CMMA is an industry gathering whose corporate members include Kroger. A Kroger executive also serves on CMMA’s board. On October 26 and 27, activists protested outside the headquarters of 84.51°, Kroger’s wholly owned data science and retail media subsidiary, where the CMMA conference was being held, and outside additional conference venues across Cincinnati.

Animal Equality is calling on CMMA leadership and members to urge Kroger to address its broken cage-free commitment.

When a major company abandons a commitment affecting millions of animals, the consequences can extend beyond the animals themselves and put its business relationships at risk. We’re calling on CMMA and its members to use their influence to bring Kroger to the table,” — Dane Charbeneau, Campaigns Manager at Animal Equality

Tell CMMA to urge Kroger to keep its cage-free promise.

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Dear CMMA Board Members,

I'm writing to urge CMMA to use its relationship with The Kroger Co. to help resolve the company's broken cage-free commitment.

Kroger is a corporate member of CMMA, a Kroger employee serves on your board, and this year's conference is being held at the headquarters of 84.51°, a wholly owned Kroger subsidiary. Yet Kroger continues to avoid a basic step toward resolving a serious animal welfare issue: meeting with Animal Equality to discuss a plan forward.

Since May, Animal Equality's international campaign has brought more than 100 protests and public actions to cities across multiple countries. Our campaign has included nonviolent direct actions that resulted in nine arrests. These actions reflect the growing determination of people who want Kroger to honor its promise to end the sale of eggs from caged hens.

In 2016, Kroger committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs by 2025. In 2022, it weakened that commitment, extending the timeline to 2030 while reducing the target to approximately 70% cage-free or higher-welfare eggs. Millions of hens remain affected by that decision.

Given CMMA's relationship with Kroger, I urge you to encourage the company to meet with Animal Equality and develop a meaningful plan to protect animals. After months of international protests and repeated calls for dialogue, it's time for Kroger to come to the table.

Sincerely,

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