Co-op switch all fresh chicken to a higher welfare standard in all stores
28 February 2024
Today (28th Feb) Co-op announced it has converted all of its fresh chicken to be bred with a lower stocking density, giving the birds 20% more space, and is now available in their stores, 10 months ahead of original schedule.
All Co-op fresh chicken is now bred to a maximum stocking density of 30kg/m2, which is the accepted higher welfare criteria, and gives the birds 20% more space to thrive, resulting in a healthy life. This is reduced from the previous specification of 38kg/m2, following a multi-million pound investment by Co-op, which will also ensure that the retail price on chicken will not increase as result of this welfare change.
Initially announced at the Co-op AGM in May 2023, in line with their members’ requests, the convenience retailer had planned to launch the lower stocking density birds by the end of 2024, but by working closely, at pace, with their supplier, 2 Sisters Food Group, the product is being launched now, to all 2400 stores in the UK, across all fresh chicken varieties including whole birds, breasts, thighs, drumsticks and wings.
This is phase one launch, with the convenience retailer aiming to launch phase two next, which will see all their British chicken which is used in ‘added value’ poultry products such as breaded chicken lines move to be ‘Space to Thrive’ chicken.
Sinead Bell, Co-op Commercial Director, said: “Animal welfare is extremely important to us, our member owners and our customers, and we work very hard to ensure that all the animals in our supply chain are looked after. I’m really proud of our change to reduce stocking density, where we have made a significant investment into poultry welfare to give our chickens more space, leading to an improvement in the natural activity and behaviour, general health and welfare improvements, with a reduction in antibiotic usage. This sits alongside our ongoing commitment that 100% of Co-op protein is sourced from our British farmers.”
All Co-op Chicken exceeds Red Tractor standards, with RSPCA Assured Free Range chicken also available in store.
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Further information:
E: pressoffice@coop.co.uk