Morrisons takes action on eggs

Morrisons becomes the second ‘big-four’ UK retailer to take action on eggs, by committing to being 100% cage-free in all own-brand shell eggs by 2010.

The fourth biggest retailer in the UK will be commended by CIWF for its commitment, made as part of its new Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2007.

Morrisons’ Poultry Trading Manager, Jamie Winter, said: ‘Animal welfare is extremely important in the sourcing of our produce and we already have structured plans in place to reduce the amount of cage eggs within our business. Many of our customers already have a preference for free-range and organic shell eggs and we are committed to selling only own label cage-free shell eggs by 2010.’

Morrisons already has a policy in place for its ‘The Best’ range which guarantees only free-range eggs are used and it’s looking into the feasibility for all other own brand products.

Rowen West-Henzell, CIWF Food Policy Officer, said: ‘Morrisons’ move really is fantastic. It’s a clear signal that it has decided to take its customers’ concerns on animal welfare seriously. With the new Eurobarometer survey showing that consumers are willing to change shops for more animal-friendly produce, leading retailers who haven’t yet taken significant action on eggs should take note – they may find their customers preferring to shop elsewhere.’ 

The full Morrisons Corporate Responsibility Report 2007 can be downloaded here http://www.morrisons.co.uk/61.asp

The other ‘big-four’ UK retailer to have taken significant action is Sainsbury’s, who won a full Good Egg Award for committing to go cage-free on all shell eggs in store before 2012.