UK | Aldi has planned to introduce new stocking density requirements for its fresh chicken suppliers, further improving the quality of life for livestock.
The transition to the higher welfare standard, which will be complete by the end of October 2024, means that Aldi fresh chicken will have 20 percent more space than the industry standard. This will give each animal more space to engage in natural behaviours, including stretching wings, dust bathing and roaming.
The new standard will also ensure that birds continue to have increased access to environmental enrichment through straw bales, perches, pecking objects, and natural light.
All of Aldi’s fresh chicken has been sourced from British farms. In addition to supporting transitioning to higher welfare standards, the supermarket has pledged significant multi-million-pound financial support for its chicken farmers and suppliers throughout 2024/25.
“Animal welfare is paramount to us. We’re already one of the UK’s largest providers of responsibly farmed chicken, and we’ve been working hard with our suppliers to reduce stocking density to help us improve the living conditions of these animals even further,” Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK.
“Thanks to this latest improvement, customers will be provided access to higher welfare chicken at the same great value that can’t be matched.”
