NEARLY HALF EGGS SOLD NOW FREE-RANGE

Retail sales of free-range eggs rose by almost 20% in the first four weeks of 2008 - making four eggs out of every ten sold free-range. The shift comes after other reports of rising sales in free-range chicken following television and media coverage about intensive poultry production.

Compassion in World Farming Food Policy Manager, Rowen West-Henzell, said: 'This is truly fantastic news. It seems consumers have reacted strongly to being shown the reality behind cheap egg and chicken production. We fully commend and support consumers for this shift - and equally the farmers and retailers who are making it possible.

'In April our Good Egg Awards will celebrate major food companies who have decided to go cage-free on eggs. This news only confirms why our award winners are right to show leadership on an issue which appears to be ever increasing in importance to consumers.'

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