The global cage-free movement – creating a better future for layer hens

A growing number of companies have committed to using only cage-free eggs, and legislation banning cages for layer hens has been passed in a variety of countries, promising a better future for layer hens worldwide. New Zealand still farms a third of its layer hens in colony cages, but many companies have achieved, or are working towards, their 100% cage-free egg commitments.

In 2021, the European Commission announced its intention to phase out cages for several farmed animal species. A subsequent scientific opinion on the welfare of laying hens by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended that cages should not be used and that laying hens should be kept in non-cage systems with easily accessible, elevated platforms, dry and friable litter, and access to a covered veranda.

As reported by EggTrack, an initiative by animal welfare group Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), more than 2,500 cage-free commitments have been made globally. But not only that, a significant number of international companies have already achieved cage-free status for their shell eggs and/or products using egg ingredients, or they are well on their way to meet their commitment goals.

At country level in Europe, cages for layer hens, including colony cages (see box), are already banned in Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Austria, while France has banned the installation of new cages. Bans will also come into force in Germany by 2026, in Czechia by 2027, and in Slovakia by 2028. According to EggTrack, Sweden is nearly 100% cage-free through commitments by wholesalers, supermarkets, and restaurants. Across the Atlantic, at least ten US states have also passed laws to move away from all cage-eggs.

New Zealand prides itself on having high animal welfare standards. However, there is room for improvement as evidenced by a fall in ranking in the World Animal Protection's Animal Protection Index from an ‘A’ awarded in 2014 to a ‘C’ in 2020. The continued use colony cages to house a third (approximately 1.3 million hens) of our national flock of layer hens has contributed to this result.

Thankfully, as a response to consumer demands, the major supermarket retailers in New Zealand, Woolworths and Foodstuffs, have committed to only selling cage-free whole shelled eggs - Woolworths achieved its commitment at the end of 2025 and Foodstuffs is aiming to do the same by 2027. Woolworths’ is committed to using 100% cage-free eggs as an ingredient in their own-brand products in future.

A range of other New Zealand companies have also achieved their commitments. These include Burger King, Starbucks, Nando’s, Wendy’s, Hell Pizza, Burger Fuel, and Subway, to name but a few. Others have made commitments and are currently working towards these goals.

Are you aware of companies/businesses that are still using colony cage eggs? Why not contact them to let them know about the global movement and encourage them to make a commitment towards a better future for New Zealand’s layer hens.

Looking for a selection of companies that use 100% cage-free eggs?* Look no further!

0 = shell eggs only; + = all egg ingredients

* Achieved commitments as of May 2026. Some companies are still working to achieve their commitments to use only 100% cage-free eggs (commitment dates range from 2025 to 2030). To find out about their progress use the search function on the Chicken Watch website.

Check which companies have met their commitments on Chicken Watch!

Compassion in World Farming Position Note on Enriched (Colony) Cages 2024

SPCA NZ Position Statement on Layer Hen Housing