From colony to barn eggs – a UK company’s vision

Stuart Bird, Bird Bros production director: “There is an increasing number of barn systems operating successfully across the UK and we can see the benefits this model provides.” Photo: Canva

Moves to strengthen its range of higher welfare products for its customers has prompted one UK company to phase out colony cage egg production by 2028 as part of a new multi-million-pound strategy.

British Lion-accredited egg producer, Bird Bros, has announced it will phase out colony egg production at its Bedfordshire headquarters over the next 5 years in line with its Vision 2028 plan. This plan envisages the company having its first barn egg range available next year, under its Roost range, and 50% of the barn egg programme to have been completed by 2026. It plans to be cage-free by 2028.

Currently, the business supplies more than 4 million eggs a week to retailers, wholesalers and food service businesses across the UK. The company will continue to supply substantial free-range egg production from both its company-owned and contracted producer arrangements.

An evolving UK egg market

The family firm, which has been in business for 55 years, said it had recognised the need to change in the light of the evolving UK egg market.

Stuart Bird, Bird Bros production director, said: “There is an increasing number of barn systems operating successfully across the UK and we can see the benefits this model provides. The UK egg market is evolving rapidly, and we know that as we look to the future, barn eggs will have a significant role to play. We want to be among those leading the change in moving away from colony cage egg production.”

The birds will be housed in large and open, climate-controlled sheds without cages, enabling the hens to roam freely within the shed, socialising and perching, without the threat of outdoor predators or exposure to the elements. Stocking densities are improved significantly compared with enriched colony production methods and mirror the levels that free-range birds experience when enclosed at night.

While the model is common across Europe, especially in locations where outdoor conditions and temperatures may be detrimental to hen welfare, barn production in the UK has been limited and typically makes up less than 10% of the UK market.

“…huge opportunity for barn eggs”

Matthew Bird, Bird Bros commercial director, said the Vision 2028 Strategy plotted a new direction for the business: “Having been a significant player in the egg production business for more than 55 years, we understand how important it is to remain agile and forward thinking to thrive as a successful business. While many of the major grocers will be ending sales of enriched colony eggs by the end of 2025, our decision to invest significantly in barn egg production has been driven by our desire to improve hen welfare and meet the evolving requirements of our broad customer base.

“There will be a market for value-focussed eggs with strong animal welfare credentials, as well as the free-range produced eggs we provide. With our customer base encompassing many different channels, we see a huge opportunity for barn eggs, and it is the key driver behind our decision to move decisively into barn egg production.”