Monoprix recognised for dairy cow welfare

Published 06/11/2014

Compassion was delighted to present leading French retailer Monoprix with a Good Dairy Commendation at its first European Good Farm Animal Welfare Forum in Paris today.

Monoprix was the first French retailer to receive a Good Egg Commendation last year for its commitment to using only cage-free, own-brand eggs. The retailer has now taken a further step by committing to better welfare standards for dairy cows.

The trophy – also a first for a French retailer - was awarded for the outstanding work and commitment of Monoprix and its milk suppliers to ensure the optimal welfare for the dairy cows that produce Monoprix’s UHT milk. This includes giving them access to pasture during the summer months.

Monoprix receiving Good Dairy Commendation — Amelie Legrand and Tracey Jones from Compassion with representatives from Monoprix France

Compassion was also delighted to recognise leading Italian chicken producer Valverde with a Good Chicken Award at the Forum for its commitment to improve the welfare standards of broiler chickens. This is a hugely significant commitment in Italy which is set to benefit over 1.5 million broilers each year.

Valverde receiving Good Chicken Award — Compassion presents Andrea Costa from Valverde with Good Chicken Award

European Good Farm Animal Welfare Forum – Paris

Compassion’s European Forum brought together over 80 leading French and European companies and other stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities posed by farm animal welfare.

The event included presentations from commercial organisations that have already recognised animal welfare as an integral part of their corporate responsibility programmes and were willing to share their insights on the practicalities of addressing farm animal welfare.

Another session focussed on corporate communication and reporting on farm animal welfare, including insights on the investor perspective on animal welfare. The Forum closed with a lively panel session discussing how companies engage with consumers on farm animal welfare.

Speakers included:

Carole Augé - Commercial Lead for Europe for sourcing pork, dairy and chicken, McDonald’s France
Speakers from leading French Cooperative, Terrena:
- Pascale Ballé – Administrator of the Cooperative
- Cécile Guillon – Veterinary Advisor
- Christophe Couroussé – Director of Strategic Marketing
Renata Adamczak – Export Manager, SPA Food (Poland)
Nicky Amos - BBFAW (UK)
Nikki Gwilliam-Beeharee - Vigeo (France)
Ian Busch, Global Brand Director Dressings, Unilever (UK)
Christophe Audouin, CEO, Les2Vaches (France)
Peter Vingerling, Chief Commercial Officer, Rondeel (The Netherlands)

The level of interest in the Forum and the participation of the delegates in the discussions throughout the afternoon demonstrate how seriously European food companies are taking animal welfare. The positive steps many companies have already taken pave the way for better welfare across the food industry in the future.