This week Great Britain-based Lidl GB committed to selling 100% free-range eggs by the end of 2024, reinforcing its commitment to the welfare and conditions in which hens are housed.

Lidl has long been focused on offering the highest quality products at the most affordable prices, which means the products it sells are all sourced responsibly and sustainably.

This new commitment – the first from a Discounter in Great Britain – builds on the supermarket’s existing pledge to work with suppliers to phase out the sale of eggs from caged hens in stores by 2025. It also means that, by the end of 2024, all of Lidl GB’s fresh shell eggs will be RSPCA Assured.

Martin Kottbauer, Chief Trading Officer, 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.”

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.

Kottbauer continued: “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.”

Mike Baker, CEO, RSPCA Assured said: “We are delighted that Lidl will be stocking only 100% free-range eggs and that all of Lidl GB’s fresh shell eggs will be RSPCA Assured by the end of 2024. This is a major step forward for a discount supermarket to show such a commitment to improving welfare standards for egg-laying hens. Lidl is clearly listening to its customers and understands that they increasingly care about where their food comes from.

“Hens don’t belong in cages, they should all be free to roam and exhibit their natural behaviors, and we hope Lidl’s move will encourage businesses who continue to offer caged eggs to do the same.”

Lidl was one of the first global retailers to publicly disclose information and data about its supply chain and this further demonstrates the discounters’ approach to transparency and commitment to empowering customers to shop responsibly.