In 2020, 150 global food companies were assessed and, for the first time in the Benchmark’s history, food producers and manufacturers were the highest scoring sub-sector on farm animal welfare with an overall average score of 38%, compared to scores of 36% for retailers and wholesalers, and 31% for restaurants and bars.

In total, 23 companies moved up at least one tier, which is remarkable against the backdrop of the pandemic – a year which has been particularly challenging for the food service sector.

Nicky Amos, Executive Director of the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare, said: “The 2020 findings show how BBFAW is driving corporate action on farm animal welfare, with around two-thirds of companies actively managing the business risks and opportunities associated with farm animal welfare, and 79% of companies having committed to improvement objectives and targets linked to farm animal welfare.

“The progress made by companies on managing farm animal welfare since the BBFAW’s inception 2012 is remarkable and should be applauded. However, as BBFAW enters its tenth year, our expectation is that companies need to demonstrate how their management commitments are translating into improved welfare impacts for animals on the ground.”

2020 HIGHLIGHTS

150 global food companies across 24 countries were included in the 2020 benchmark assessment, comprising:
- 52 food retailers and wholesalers
- 63 food producers
- 35 restaurants and bars
23 companies moved up at least one tier in the Benchmark ranking since 2019
Cranswick, Marks & Spencer, Noble Foods and Waitrose are confirmed as global leaders on farm animal welfare, appearing in Tier 1 of the Benchmark
23 of the 150 companies benchmarked are ranked in the top 2 Tiers of the Benchmark, showing animal welfare is integral to their business
91 of the 150 companies benchmarked are ranked in Tiers 1-4, demonstrating they are now actively managing the business risks and opportunities associated with farm animal welfare
Food producers are the most represented sub-sector in Tiers 1 and 2 of the 2020 Benchmark (12 companies): – Barilla, Cargill, Cranswick, Danish Crown, Groupe Danone, Fonterra, Hilton Food Group, Marfrig Global, Nestlé, Noble Foods, Premier Foods and Unilever – showing leadership on farm animal welfare
39% of companies remain in the bottom two tiers, offering little or no information on their approach to farm animal welfare
21% have still not published overarching policies on farm animal welfare
89% have yet to demonstrate that they are delivering improved welfare impacts for farm animals on the ground

COMPANIES ON THE MOVE

Companies improving their score by at least one tier between 2019 and 2020:

13 companies in the ‘producers and manufacturers’ sub-sector
9 companies in the ‘retailers and wholesalers’ sub-sector
1 company in the ‘restaurants and bars’ sub-sector