Ahold Delhaize publishes commitment to improve standards for hens and pigs

Los Angeles, California – Multinational food retailer Ahold Delhaize has formalized a commitment that will improve animal welfare standards for hens and pigs, calling it “a positive step forward for animals, public health and the environment.” The decision comes on the heels of a campaign by animal protection groups, including Animal Equality.

In the agreement, the company outlines several steps it will take to achieve a cage-free supply for its U.S. stores, which include Stop & Shop, Giant, Hannaford and Food Lion. Ahold also commits to delivering annual progress reports to ensure its goals are met.

“Ahold Delhaize is doing what is necessary by eliminating one of the cruelest farming practices in industrial agriculture,” shares Sharon Núñez, President of Animal Equality. “We are pleased with the company’s announcement and call on its competitors, Kroger and Target, to follow their lead.”  

Cages are used in industrial agriculture to maximize the number of animals that can be housed on factory farms. However, there is growing consumer concern about the mental and physical well-being of animals, as these cages provide virtually no room to move. Nearly a dozen U.S. states, and Ahold Delhaize’s home country in the European Union, have banned their use. Animal Equality campaigned to address the issue with Ahold over the past year. 

Ahold Delhaize also notes that moving away from this practice could “support healthy communities and a healthy planet.”

“This pledge is a step forward in our work to end animal cruelty,” adds Núñez. “We want to recognize the many organizations in the U.S. and abroad whose work also made this announcement possible.”

The changes will be seen in the company’s U.S. stores over the next few years. All pork and egg products will be sourced from cage-free suppliers by 2028 and 2032, respectively. In the meantime, Ahold Delhaize has pledged to incorporate clearer cage-free signage at all of its location by the end of the third quarter of 2026.