Tesco to go cage-free in central Europe by 2025

It follows a similar commitment by the supermarket’s UK division in 2016 and is set to include both own brand and branded eggs.

Tesco’s central Europe region includes all stores in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Tesco’s move to 100% cage-free eggs

A statement said from 2025 the range would include barn, free range and organic egg from those countries.

Jamie Walker, product director in the region said: “Our decision on caged hens is in line with the Tesco approach to ensuring sustainable sourcing and improving animal welfare. “We will be working in partnership with our suppliers to move to 100% cage-free eggs.”

Animal rights organisation The Humane League said it had engaged in “productive and private” dialogue with management at the supermarket to lobby for change.

Cage-free shell eggs

Vicky Bond, managing director UK at The Humane League, said: “As one of the largest retailers in the world, Tesco’s policy to exclusively source cage-free shell eggs to cover stores in Central Europe will reduce the suffering of millions of farm animals every year. “We are proud to have worked with Tesco on its commitment to extend its UK policy to other European locations.”

The Human League coordinates the Open Wing alliance, a collection of organisations that campaigns against caged hens across the world.