Co-op, multi-Quality Food Award-winning convenience retailer in the UK, has announced a significant advancement in its chicken welfare standards, making it the first in its sector to implement such extensive changes. The retailer has now incorporated its enhanced welfare standard across its entire British Breaded and Ready-To-Eat chicken range. This move aligns with its commitment to animal welfare and responsible sourcing.

The newly rebranded "Space to Thrive" range includes 21 lines of products such as British Breaded Chicken Goujons, British Garlic Kiev, British Roast Chicken Drumsticks, and British Sliced Chicken Breast. These products now come from chickens raised under conditions that surpass the existing national welfare standards. Key improvements include reduced stocking density, allowing 20% more space per chicken, and environments with natural lighting. Additionally, these barns include pecking objects and perching platforms, encouraging more natural behaviours and promoting healthier living conditions.

This strategic shift marks Co-op as one of the pioneering retailers to deliver lower stocking density conditions across its entire breaded chicken line. Earlier this year, a similar adjustment was made to its fresh chicken products. These changes are part of a multi-million-pound investment in enhancing their poultry supply chain. The entire range now adheres to a maximum stocking density of 30kg/m2, a notable improvement from the previous 38kg/m2 specification.

Sinead Bell, Co-op's commercial director, articulated the company's dedication to responsible sourcing and its support for British farmers. She emphasised that all of Co-op's fresh meat and shell eggs are sourced from trusted farms within Britain. Bell highlighted the company's commitment to high animal welfare standards, citing the input from Co-op’s member owners as a driving force behind these changes. She expressed pride in Co-op being among the few retailers to extend these improved stocking density standards beyond just fresh chicken.

These changes are reflective of Co-op's long-standing commitment to product quality and ethical sourcing, ensuring their customers receive high-quality products while supporting improved practices in animal welfare within the UK poultry industry.

Take a look at the awards Co-op won in this year's Quality Food Awards here: https://uk.qualityfoodawards.com/QFA24/en/page/2024-winners