Ingles, Meijer, Stater Bros. join transition to cage-free eggs by 2025

Citing changing customer preferences and animal welfare concerns, Ingles Markets, Meijer Inc. and Stater Bros. Markets announced they would shift to 100% cage-free eggs by 2025.

In addition to shell eggs, Ingles plans to source liquid eggs from cage-free farms.

“Ingles supports the industry’s cage-free trajectory, and looks forward to working with our suppliers to achieve a cage-free supply chain,” Ron Freeman, Ingles’ CFO, said in a press release. “This shift represents a natural part of Ingles’ ongoing work to ensure animals in our supply chain are provided with the ‘Five Freedoms’ of animal welfare, including the ability to engage in their natural behaviors.”

Meijer said the majority of its eggs are sourced from farms in Michigan that have been working with the retailer for more than 50 years.

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“Although our current volume of cage-free egg sales is relatively low, we continue to see shopping trends shifting toward cage free,” said Peter Whitsett, EVP of merchandising for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer. “We are in the business of providing customers with choices, and setting this goal will ensure we are ready for the transition when our customers are.”

Stater Bros. said its transition to cage-free eggs would be based on customer demand, available supply and affordability.

“The voice of our customer has always been and will continue to be the deciding factor on how we supply our stores,” said Stater Bros. Markets EVP of marketing Dennis McIntyre. “Over the years, we’ve expanded our egg varieties, which include cage-free, while remaining compliant with California Proposition 2 regulations.”

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