With just six months remaining until the 2025 cage-free egg commitment deadline, many food companies are in the final stretch to transition their remaining egg supply. The pressure is on as the industry works to meet consumer expectations and honour long-standing animal welfare pledges.

Huge public support

As of March 2025, 82% of the UK egg industry had already shifted to cage-free production, highlighting significant progress and aligning with public expectations.

Public support for cage-free farming remains strong, with a poll we commissioned last year revealing that more than two-thirds of the British public are willing to pay more for eggs produced from hens that are not kept in cages. The poll also found that three quarters (75%) of the British public believe the use of cages in farming is cruel.

EggTrack reveals progress 

Our 2024 EggTrack Spotlight highlights encouraging progress in the UK, with 20 out of 39 tracked companies – including Waitrose, M&S, Sainsbury’s, The Co-operative Food, Greggs, McDonald’s, Greene King and Pizza Express – fully cage-free. Others, such as Tesco, Aldi, and Whitbread PLC are making substantial headway toward fulfilling their commitments but now need to accelerate their efforts to meet the 2025 deadline. 

However, not all companies are on track. Several major retailers – including Asda, Lidl, and Morrisons – are at risk of missing the deadline, while Spar (UK) Ltd is not reporting. Most concerning is Iceland, which has recently dropped its cage-free egg commitment entirely – a regressive move at a time when both public sentiment and legislative change are clearly moving toward a cage-free future.

We will be seeking updated data for its next EggTrack report, which will be published in 2026 to reflect the progress that has been made throughout 2025. It will be one to watch, celebrating those who met their cage-free commitments and calling out those who fell short. 

No excuse for delay 

Dr Tracey Jones, our Global Director of Food Business, said:

The UK is at a tipping point for cage-free eggs. With a growing number of companies already meeting their commitments and a significant percentage of supply already cage-free, there is no excuse for delay.

Companies have had ample time to prepare, and with the 2025 deadline fast approaching, they must act decisively now to honour their commitments – particularly when it comes to shell eggs. Voluntary commitments have driven real progress, and the momentum is clear – but to level the playing field and support responsible businesses, we now need cage-free legislation that ensures the entire sector moves forward together.

Find out more about our work to End the Cage Age for all farmed animals.

2025 cage-free egg commitment deadline looms

2025 cage-free egg commitment deadline looms 