Achieving the Better Chicken Commitment: Actionable Steps for 2026 Success

The 2026 deadline for the Better Chicken Commitment is rapidly approaching, so the time for decisive action is now! To avoid letting delays or hesitation derail your progress, here are some practical steps to stay on track and drive meaningful change.

Reaffirm the business commitment: Are the internal stakeholders – from leadership to finance, marketing and supply chain management – still fully engaged and ready to support this vital transition? Revisiting the ‘why’ behind the business goal will reignite belief and ensure that the teams remain united and motivated to fulfil the commitment.

Refresh the business plan: Do you have a plan? Does it still chart a clear and relevant course, or is it time for a revision? Without updated action plans and public timelines, commitments risk falling short.

Invest in delivery: Ownership of commitments requires proactive action. Companies must map out their supply chains, secure necessary investments, find supply and product solutions, and build long-term partnerships to ensure readiness for the transition.

Phase Implementation: Prioritise implementing the simpler aspects of the BCC criteria, while laying out clear plans for tackling more complex ones, such as transitioning to slower-growing breeds. Take advantage of any supply that’s readily available, whilst also working to build supply in markets where BCC supply is yet to be developed.

Report on progress: Public-facing timelines for transition, even if 100% compliance extends beyond the initial 2026 commitment deadline, with in-year reporting, is essential to retain trust from customers, shareholders, and investors. Internally, clarity ensures your teams have the direction they need to execute the plan.

Compassion understands the challenges faced by food businesses that have signed up or are considering signing up to the BCC and is here to provide support to help you successfully transition to higher welfare chicken. That’s why we launched the Better Chicken Business Network to connect stakeholders across the supply chain to address sourcing needs (check out our BCC Supplier and Distributor list), improve carcass balance, and develop cost-mitigation strategies. Look out for a series of webinars, forums and study tours in the coming year.