LIDL GB has brought forward the date by which it plans to stop selling colony eggs to the end of 2024.
The supermarket also said it had introduced new, longer-term contracts for egg suppliers offering “certainty and security to invest for the future”.
See also: Bfrepa launches ‘Egg Pledge’ asking for farmers to be supported
The supermarket said the transition to cage-free would happen by the end of 2024, rather than in 2025 as previously committed.
All fresh eggs will be RSPCA Assured, the retailer added.
Martin Kottbauer, chief trading officer at Lidl GB, said: “We know that, in addition to the taste, the welfare and conditions in which hens are housed is important to our customers.”
‘Working with suppliers’
“As part of its commitment to championing British produce, 100% of Lidl GB’s fresh shell eggs are sourced from British suppliers and are produced under the British Lion Mark.
“As the supermarket transitions to selling only free-range eggs it is working closely with its egg suppliers and has introduced longer-term contracts to help ensure that they have security and certainty needed to invest for the future.
“Our commitment to selling 100% free range eggs by the end of 2024 builds on our strong credentials as a grocer which sources sustainably and responsibly, offering the highest quality produce at affordable prices.
“Whilst our overall market share is currently 7.1%, we know that 12% of all fresh shell eggs are bought through Lidl, and we therefore hope that this commitment will help create positive change across the industry.”
