Making a public cage-free egg commitment is a powerful first step—but it’s only the beginning. For that promise to make a real difference, companies need a credible, transparent, and actionable transition plan.
So what does a strong cage-free transition plan actually look like?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to what responsible companies are doing—and what others should be doing—to move from commitment to completion.
Step 1: Set Clear, Public Milestones
A solid plan begins with specific targets. “By 2025” isn’t enough. Companies should break down the journey into measurable, time-bound milestones like:
- 25% cage-free by 2023
- 50% by 2024
- Full transition by end of 2025
These interim goals help track progress, build internal accountability, and signal transparency to external stakeholders.
✅ Best practice: Publish annual progress updates by region, not just global totals.
Step 2: Map the Supply Chain
Before a company can source cage-free eggs, it needs to understand where its eggs are currently coming from—and under what conditions.
This includes:
- Auditing current suppliers across all regions
- Identifying markets with cage-free availability
- Flagging regions with gaps or risks
- Evaluating volume needs and quality requirements
✅ Best practice: Engage third-party experts to help verify current sourcing claims and vet new suppliers.
Step 3: Engage with Suppliers Early
Building a cage-free supply chain doesn’t happen overnight. Companies need to collaborate with suppliers to:
- Signal long-term demand for cage-free
- Set expectations and timelines
- Offer support for transitions (e.g., volume commitments, premium pricing, or training)
✅ Best practice: Host supplier briefings or roundtables to explain sourcing goals and timelines.
Step 4: Use Interim Tools Like Cage-Free Credits
In regions where supply is still limited, companies can support progress by purchasing cage-free credits—a verified way to offset conventional egg use while building future infrastructure.
Credits help:
- Fund high-welfare production
- Bridge gaps in physical supply
- Demonstrate good-faith progress while scaling operations
✅ Best practice: Disclose how many credits were purchased and in which regions.
Step 5: Communicate Transparently—Even When It’s Hard
Delays happen. So do supply chain disruptions. But silence is not a strategy.
Strong transition plans include:
- Regular public updates
- Region-specific progress reports
- Acknowledgment of challenges and a plan to overcome them
✅ Best practice: Include cage-free sourcing in annual ESG or sustainability reports.
Step 6: Track, Audit, and Improve
Even after a company reaches 100%, the work isn’t done. Monitoring systems ensure cage-free eggs remain the standard—and that suppliers uphold welfare.
Companies should:
- Conduct third-party audits
- Establish grievance or whistleblower channels
- Evaluate performance and share learnings
✅ Best practice: Partner with animal welfare certifiers or technical advisors for ongoing verification.
Final Thoughts
The journey to 100% cage-free isn’t just about hitting a target—it’s about creating a food system where animal welfare, transparency, and accountability are the norm.
A strong transition plan does more than move eggs out of cages. It builds trust, supports farmers, strengthens supply chains, and sets a standard the industry can follow.
So the next time a company says it’s “committed,” ask to see the plan.
Because promises are easy. Progress is what counts.