U.S. investigation exposes farm linked to major grocery chains

• High-resolution investigation images
• Raw footage for journalists (email for password)

Kansas, United States – A breaking investigation by Animal Equality, filmed during the winter of 2024–2025, is exposing conditions at a pig breeding facility in Kansas, USA. The farm is linked to Ahold Delhaize—a multinational retail group behind major grocery chains, including U.S.-based Food Lion, Stop & Shop, and Giant. 

Investigative footage includes: 

• Pregnant pigs trapped in crates barely wider than their bodies
• Dead and dying piglets born prematurely
• Pigs with open wounds and visible injuries from tight confinement
• Signs of severe psychological distress, including repetitive behaviors like pacing and air chewing.

The findings raise concerns about Ahold Delhaize’s links to a practice widely condemned by the public as cruel. Gestation crates have been banned in 11 U.S. states, including Florida and California, and across the European Union.

In 2014, Ahold Delhaize (then Ahold USA) publicly pledged to eliminate gestation crates from its U.S. supply chain, a promise echoed by its well-known grocery chains. Over a decade later, these companies have failed to meet their commitment. The company recently postponed action until 2028—years behind competitors like Costco, Amazon Fresh, and McDonald’s, which have made more substantial progress.

“Ahold Delhaize’s lack of action is in clear disregard of animal welfare and a betrayal of consumer trust,” said Sharon Núñez, President of Animal Equality. “The company had over a decade to end this cruelty, yet its decision-makers continue to delay progress while animals pay the price. We’re calling on Ahold Delhaize to keep its promise and end the use of gestation crates in its supply chain.”

In the U.S., approximately 60% of all female pigs used for breeding are still confined in gestation crates. Animal welfare scientists widely agree that these cages are among the most extreme forms of cruelty in industrial farming.

Animal Equality is calling on Ahold Delhaize to eliminate gestation crates from its supply chain without further delay.

The investigation is being met by outrage and protests across the U.S. and parts of Europe. This includes a demonstration outside Ahold Delhaize’s U.S. headquarters today in Massachusetts—the next stop in a string of nationwide protests. Over half a dozen protests have broken out since the release of Animal Equality’s campaign against Ahold Delhaize. Approximately 800 emails have also been sent to executives asking for action from the company.  

ABOUT ANIMAL EQUALITY:

Animal Equality is an international organization working with society, governments, and companies to end cruelty to farmed animals. Animal Equality works effectively for animals through investigations, corporate campaigns and legal advocacy in the United States, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and India.