By 2026, all Nando’s chicken will come from approved breeds with better welfare outcomes and reared at lower stocking densities with access to perches, pecking substrates and natural light, along with all other criteria of the BCC.

This commitment has been simultaneously publicised alongside their ambitious sustainability targets, to achieve absolute zero direct emissions and to reduce the carbon footprint of the average Nando’s meal by a further 50% by 2030.

Importantly, they are also committing to increasing their plant-based menu offer and reducing the carbon footprint of the feed fed to their chickens.

Nando’s believes that combining improvements in sustainability with animal welfare are key to establishing a resilient and healthy food system. We applaud this holistic approach as it is essential for the sustainability of future food and the first of its kind in the food service sector.

Nando’s has worked hard to understand its supply base and has actively taken part in positive industry discussions, like Compassion’s European Broiler Forum, which has given them the confidence to make these commitments.

This latest pledge on chicken welfare complements their use of only free-range eggs and organic milk and adds to their Fairtrade and local sourcing credentials.

They join a growing list of other European Chicken Commitment signatories who recognise the urgent need for broiler welfare improvement.

Dr Tracey Jones, Global Director of Food Business at Compassion said: “I am delighted to see such a popular brand like Nando’s, famous for their peri-peri chicken, championing the move for better chicken welfare. It’s the right thing to do and the team at Nando’s are committed to getting the job done.

“Nando’s has made this commitment at a time of great uncertainty, particularly in the food service sector, as the world deals with the effects of COVID-19. Now, more than ever, responsible food production with the animal and environment at its heart, is of the utmost importance and we applaud Nando’s forging ahead with their plans.

“Shifting the supply base isn’t easy and collective action and leadership are needed to make Better Chicken a success. We are proud of Nando’s leadership in this area and look forward to continuing our valued partnership to drive this change forward.”

Nando’s signs the European Chicken Commitment