Aldi, the UK’s fourth largest supermarket, is set 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% 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 the birds will continue to have increased access to environmental enrichment such as straw bales, perches, pecking objects and natural light.
All of Aldi’s fresh chicken is sourced from British farms and, separate to its support in transitioning to higher welfare standards, Aldi has committed to significant multi-million pound financial support for its chicken farmers and suppliers over the course of 2024/25.
Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, said: “Animal welfare is of paramount importance 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.
“Thanks to this latest improvement, customers will be provided with access to higher welfare chicken at the same great value that can’t be matched.”
