UK food group Noble Foods has pledged to supply only cage-free eggs by 2025, a commitment announced as one supplier hit the headlines due to concerns over animal welfare.

Noble Foods, a major supplier of private-label eggs to UK grocers and owner of The Happy Egg Co. brand, said the pledge was “group-wide”.

“This announcement comes as the culmination of months of planning to achieve the realities of moving to solely cage-free production. Noble has been working closely with its retail partners and the farming community to ensure a smooth transition,” Noble Foods said in a statement.

At the time of writing, officials representing Noble Foods had not responded to a request for comment on the proportion of eggs the company sells that are cage-free at present.

Meanwhile, UK animal rights group Animal Equality has published hidden camera footage of “a life of extreme suffering” for hens reared by Noble Foods supplier Walston Poultry Farm.

The footage appears to show hens with red raw skin housed in cages seven tiers high. Animal Equality claimed the farm left dead birds in the cages and did not carry out routine inspections.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

A Noble Foods spokesperson told the BBC said: “We have immediately launched an internal investigation and audit of the site highlighted. Noble Foods remains committed and vigilant in demanding the highest standards from its suppliers.”