How To Apply For A Good Chicken Award

To apply for a good chicken award you will need to be a well-known or notable food company that can satisfy the criteria below

Applying in Europe

Companies applying for a Good Chicken Award in Europe must meet the following criteria:

A valid public sign up to the European Chicken Commitment (ECC)
- For sign-ups before 1st January 2024, compliance needs to be achieved by 31st December 2026
- For sign-ups after 1st January 2024, compliance needs to be achieved within 5 years of signing up
Significant progress in the implementation of the ECC:
- At least 50% of the total volume of fresh and frozen chicken already compliant with the on-farm criteria of the ECC (stocking density, breed, natural light, enrichment).
A public roadmap with clear timelines to transition to ECC-compliant products
Annual public progress reporting towards the ECC

GOOD CHICKEN COMMENDATION

Companies applying for a Good Chicken Commendation in Europe must meet the following criteria:

A new (from 01/01/2026) and valid public sign-up to the European Chicken Commitment (ECC)
Compliance needs to be achieved within 5 years of the award date
A public roadmap with clear timelines to transition to ECC compliant products
Annual public progress reporting towards the ECC

Applying in North America

Companies applying for a Good Chicken Award in North America must meet the following criteria:

A valid public sign up to the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) within 5 years from the date of the Awards ceremony
Compliance with the BCC within 5 years from the date of the Awards ceremony
Publicly available timelines for transition to BCC compliant products
Demonstrate progress in the implementation of the BCC:
- Achieve full compliance with the enrichment criteria of the BCC (litter, lighting, enrichment)
- Demonstrate good progress on at least one of the other 3 criteria of the BCC (stocking density, breed, CAS)
Annual public progress reporting towards the BCC

Applying in other regions

Companies applying for a Good Chicken Award in other regions of the world (i.e. outside Europe and North America) must meet the following criteria:

A valid public sign up to the Better Chicken Commitment*
Compliance with the BCC within 5 years from the date of the Awards ceremony
Publicly available timelines for transition to BCC compliant products
Annual public progress reporting towards the BCC

* Better Chicken in accordance with the ECC criteria.

How to apply

Companies can apply via their engagement with the Food Business team and on completion of an application form signed at Director Level.

Retailers can apply for their own label (fresh, frozen and processed) chicken range only, and may exclude branded goods.

Manufacturers/producers can apply for a specific brand under the following conditions:

Europe and North America: application based on current policy for that brand PLUS overarching commitment for all the company’s own brand production.
Other regions of the world: a commitment at brand level can be accepted.

Where an application is made on a commitment basis, Compassion will remain in contact with award winners over the commitment period, to assess progress made and provide continued support.

Full text of the European Chicken Commitment

Full text of the Better Chicken Commitment

If you would like to apply for an award please contact the Food Business team.

Find out more about broiler chicken welfare

Good Chicken Award Criteria