Paris, 21st October 2016 - the cage-free revolution is progressing fast in France as an increasing number of retailers and food companies have recently pledged to go cage-free on their eggs.

Compassion welcomes the decision by major French retailer Système U to source only free-range eggs for its own brand eggs by 2020.

Système U commits to:

Source only free-range eggs for its own brand shell eggs by 2020
Stop (starting now) any promotional activities on other types of eggs (cage or barn)
Clearly indicate the production system on their egg packaging (e.g. cage, barn, free-range, organic) from September 2017

In 2015, Système U sold over 260 million eggs under its own brand “U”. Thanks to their decision, over 865,000 laying hens will be able to live a free-range life every year.

Amélie Legrand, Food Business Manager in France, comments: “Compassion has been working with Système U for many years on farm animal welfare. We are extremely pleased with their decision, which will significantly improve the lives of laying hens in their supply chain and provide clearer information on method of production to their customers.”

Over the past few months, an increasing number of French retailers have decided to stop selling eggs from caged systems: Monoprix, Schiever Group, LIDL, Aldi, Colruyt and now Système U for their own brand.

Food service giants Sodexo and Compass Group have also recently committed to go cage-free. As a result, the French egg industry is investing massively in free-range systems in order to meet this increase in demand for cage-free eggs.

Aurélie Ménenteau, Quality Manager U Brand/Fresh products said: “This decision highlights Système U’s commitment to make animal welfare a priority. We have been working with Compassion for several years on farm animal welfare and we will continue working together to drive progress in our different supply chains.”

Système U goes free-range in France!