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Published 19/03/2025Today (19 March) Compassion released its latest European ChickenTrack report, highlighting mixed progress among companies in fulfilling their Better Chicken Commitments (BCC) as the 2026 deadline approaches.
ChickenTrack monitors company compliance with the BCC’s science-based criteria which, when fully implemented, will significantly improve the lives of millions of broiler chickens.
Over 380 companies have signed up to the BCC in Europe and ChickenTrack 2024 evaluates the progress of the 93 most influential companies - selected on geographic relevance, size and overall ‘chicken footprint’ - across eight European countries. These include 37 retailers and meal kit providers, nine food service & hospitality companies, 29 restaurants, 11 manufacturers and seven producers.
ChickenTrack 2024: Key Findings
Of the 93 companies tracked, 64 are reporting on progress, but 29 have yet to disclose any updates.
This year, 11 companies are reporting on transition progress for the first time, including Eataly in Italy which has made significant strides – achieving 90% transition on stocking density, 80% on breed, and 70% on Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS). Four of these 11 companies are completely new to ChickenTrack in 2024: Big Mamma Group, Les 3 Brasseurs, Taiko Foods and Yo! Sushi.
Progress by criteria
Breed change and stocking density remain two of the most challenging production criteria to meet and have the lowest transition rates.
Among companies reporting progress by criteria, only two - Schiever Distribution[1] and Waitrose - report 100% compliance on stocking density, with an additional six at over 50% transition: Eataly Italy, Papa Johns UK, Greggs, Danone Group, Subway EMEA, Alcampo.
Schiever Distribution is the only company to report 100% compliance on breed, with Eataly and Monoprix also making significant progress in this area, reporting over 50% compliance. Additionally, six companies have reached over 30% compliance on breed: Carrefour Poland, Carrefour France, Casino France, Auchan France, Auchan Poland, Marks & Spencer .
[1] 100% of Schiever own-brand chicken is certified Label Rouge (free-range). Schiever does not sell own-brand processed products.
Building on success
Two companies demonstrated strong year-on-year progress and deserve recognition:
- Greggs increased compliance on key criteria, including stocking density (49% to 65%), natural light (16% to 78%) and enrichment (64% to 85%).
- Premier Foods plc reported a 65% overall transition progress this year, marking a significant improvement on last year where they reported 45% compliance on stocking density and enrichment, and 100% compliance on CAS.
Companies falling behind
Many companies are falling behind on their BCC commitments, with some reporting less than 20% transition on key BCC criteria. This includes:
- 30 companies for stocking density
- 35 for slower growing breeds
- 17 for natural light
- 20 for enrichment
- 10 for CAS
ChickenTrack 2024 exposes this lack of progress as a clear wake up call, urging companies to take their commitments seriously and act decisively now.
Mapping out success
M&S (for fresh chicken) and Norsk Kylling have demonstrated that 100% BCC compliance is not only doable but economically viable and profitable. Meanwhile, Big Mamma Group (Europe) and Burger King (France) have published strategic roadmaps, providing a valuable blueprint for others to follow.
Compassion urges companies to act now, by mapping out their supply chains, securing necessary investments and building long-term partnerships to ensure a smooth transition. Clear, public-facing timelines and regular reporting are essential for maintaining trust with customers, shareholders and investors.
Chickens are sentient beings who deserve a good quality of life, with the ability to express their natural behaviours. The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) sets out five clear steps to improve their welfare, and ChickenTrack plays a crucial role in monitoring company progress.
To make higher-welfare chicken the norm, we urge companies to adopt the BCC and invest in meaningful change through robust action plans and transparent progress reporting. Only when companies reach 100% compliance will we achieve the full impact for chickens.
Dr. Tracey Jones, Global Director of Food Business, Compassion in World Farming
Read the ChickenTrack 2024 results here
Better Chicken Business Network
Companies are encouraged to join our Better Chicken Business Network (BCBN), a dedicated hub for the latest news, events and exclusive content related to the BCC.
The BCBN addresses challenges in the broiler supply chain by connecting companies seeking BCC-compliant suppliers or buyers, fostering collaboration, and supporting the transition to higher welfare standards.
Membership is free and open to all stakeholders, including producers, distributors, manufacturers and retailers.
Compassion also offers tailored support to help companies develop structured roadmaps, essential for a successful transition to BCC compliance. This support includes assistance with sourcing, carcass balance, and cost-mitigation strategies, ensuring that higher welfare practices become the industry standard.
