What happened
ARE has had eight meetings with Century Pacific since 2022, supporting and encouraging the transition to cage-free eggs at each of these engagements. Their Investor Relations manager noted our persistent approach contributed to the decision, while other parties contributed local procurement support for fresh cage-free eggs, now mandated by Shakey’s. ARE emphasised the value of cage-free farming to the hens, business, and investors, while also encouraging a wider animal welfare policy.
Why it’s Important
While adding sourcing demand for local fresh eggs to help grow Philippine cage-free capacity, these new commitments surpass those of some other companies, helping to accelerate and grow a local industry. These commitments will impact layer hens today and well into the future, while contributing to the growing supply in the Philippines. We hope that other Quick Service Restaurants and manufacturers will follow in due course, while policymakers will support and encourage higher welfare systems.
ARE’s Role
ARE has been engaging with this company since 2022, and most recently also with a key investor. During our engagements, ARE has encouraged plant-based meat developments and directly asked Century Pacific Foods Group to transition to cage-free eggs (and chicken), among other sustainability needs such as seafood sourcing and deforestation-free beef.
“By providing evidence, solutions, and feedback on company commitments, we have encouraged the creation of a mutual trusted space for ongoing dialogue on food sustainability,” said Kate Blaszak, Director, Protein Transition at ARE. “Along with investors, we welcome the leadership decision by Century Pacific Foods Group’s two key companies to mandate fresh cage-free eggs and cage-free egg ingredients by 2030.”
What Next?
ARE and investors will point to this as a key example for responsible business in Asia, support the company in implementation, and look forward to the Group’s evidence of implementing these commitments with annual progress disclosure, while advancing a wider animal welfare policy.
