Ahold USA Commits to Cage-free Eggs

In accordance with its responsible retailing efforts, Ahold USA said that its companies’ private label shell eggs will be 100 percent cage-free by 2022.

Currently, Ahold USA’s retail divisions – Stop & Shop, Giant Landover, Giant Carlisle, Martin’s and e-grocer Peapod – sell cage-free, free-range, organic and traditional egg varieties. About 80 percent of all eggs sold by Ahold USA companies are “Own Brands” or private label.

“Animal welfare is a fundamental part of our responsible retailing program,” explained Marissa Nelson, SVP of responsible retailing and healthy living at Carlisle, Pa.-based Ahold USA. “We believe that cage-free environments are a more humane way to treat hens, and we have committed to have all of our private label shell eggs 100 percent cage-free, subject to available supply.”

Under the responsible retailing program, the grocer carries healthy products and services that are sourced with respect for people, animals and the environment. 

“Ahold USA companies are deeply committed to providing customers with great products at great prices from suppliers who share our dedication to the highest standards of animal welfare,” added Nelson. “Ahold USA and our retail divisions will continue to work with the most reputable suppliers to source our private label cage-free shell eggs produced with respect for the animal.”

The move makes the grocer the first major U.S. pure-play supermarket company to implement a 100 percent cage-free egg policy. Retailers such as Costco, Target, BJ's Wholesale Club and CVS have already made similar commitments. "The Humane League applauds Ahold's historic announcement to go 100 percent cage-free, which brings the retail industry one huge step closer to a future without cages,” said David Coman-Hidy, executive director of the Philadelphia-based league.

Part of Amsterdam-based international food retailing group Ahold, Ahold USA consists of four divisions that together operate about 790 supermarkets with 115,000 associates in 14 states and the District of Columbia.