The full‑day forum included producers, food companies, academics and welfare specialists, all focused on accelerating progress toward higher-welfare broiler production. The event also marked the launch of ChickenTrack 2025, assessing how 107 major European food businesses are performing against each of the BCC criteria.

Speakers from Compassion were joined by experts representing breeding companies, academia, major poultry producers and food service brands:

Paul van Boekholt, Hubbard Breeders
Paul provided an overview of BCC market developments and implementation challenges. He highlighted where BCC pledges have already become reality across Europe, discussed the role of slower‑growing breeds, and emphasised the importance of full carcass utilisation for sustainability.
Peter van Horne, Wageningen University & Research
Peter, a poultry economist, examined the economic, environmental and food‑safety implications of BCC production systems. His presentation covered the costs of BCC broiler production in the EU, the environmental footprint of these systems, and food‑safety considerations — particularly antibiotic use.
Ludvig Karlsson, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Ludvig, a doctoral researcher in sustainable food systems, explored the trade‑offs between animal‑welfare improvements and environmental performance. He compared conventional and higher‑welfare systems and discussed mitigation strategies.
Dylan Chevalier, Groupe LDC
As CSR Director at France’s leading poultry producer, Dylan shared LDC’s experience of implementation and the practical realities of transitioning to BCC production.
Merete Forseth, Norsk Kylling
Merete, Lead Animal Welfare Veterinarian at Norsk Kylling — a pioneer in BCC‑aligned production — reflected on five years of “living the commitment” and the lessons learned from implementing higher-welfare systems across the business.
Robert Nijkamp, Windstreek Broiler Farm
Robert showcased Windstreek’s innovative Dutch farming model, demonstrating how animal welfare and environmental sustainability can reinforce one another. His presentation offered a compelling example of future‑focused broiler production.
Clara Goupy, Buffalo Grill
Clara, Poultry Buyer for France’s largest table‑service restaurant brand, outlined the company’s roadmap following its 2023 BCC pledge — including the five key steps guiding their journey toward 100% compliance by 2028.
Elaine Price, Meadow Vale Foods
General Manager for Asia, Elaine discussed Meadow Vale’s recent BCC pledge for their ‘Goodness Me’ brand, and the company’s work to strengthen welfare standards across their Thai supply chain.

The 2026 Broiler Forum served as a dynamic and energising platform for sharing progress, addressing challenges and exploring practical solutions and innovations.

As momentum continues to build across Europe, and beyond, the event reinforced a unifying message: ensuring higher welfare for every chicken raised for meat is both essential and achievable.

Broiler Forum 2026 Showcases Momentum Behind Higher-Welfare Chicken