Today (26 January) marks the official launch of the latest Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare report at an event in London.

Now in its fourth year, the Benchmark provides an annual review of how the world’s leading food companies are managing and reporting their farm animal welfare policies and practices.

It is the first global measure of animal welfare standards in food companies and is designed for use by investors, companies, NGOs and other interested stakeholders

The 2015 Benchmark ranked 90 major food companies and reveals that Noble Foods, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Coop Group (Switzerland) have attained the highest marks.

In total, 19 companies improved their scoring sufficiently to rise at least one tier in the Benchmark, while 8 companies have dropped a tier.

Findings show that the proportion of companies with a published farm animal welfare policy has increased from 46% in 2012 to 69% in 2015, and the number with published objectives and targets for farm animal welfare has increased from 26% in 2012 to 54% in 2015.

Reflecting on these findings, BBFAW Executive Director, Nicky Amos, said, “The results show that it is realistic for companies across the world and all sub-sectors from retailers, wholesalers, restaurants, bars, and producers, to aspire to and achieve high scores in the Benchmark and to recognise the responsibility they hold for the welfare of animals in their supply chains.”

It is great to see that over the past year, 2 Sisters Food Group, Compass Group, Greggs, Metro, Mitchells & Butlers and Whitbread have all made dramatic improvements in their Benchmark score.

Our CEO, Philip Lymbery, commented: “The Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare has proved again this year what a powerful driver for change it is. Leading food companies are not only acknowledging farm animal welfare as a critical business issue, but also reporting and improving upon it year on year.

“This vital tool is providing an objective movement towards a more honest and compassionate food industry, and we are delighted to be at the forefront of it.”

The report is compiled in collaboration with Compassion, World Animal Protection, and investment firm Coller Capital.

Visit the BBFAW website to find out more.

Farm animal welfare – a good investment