GERMAN supermarket chain Lidl has become the first store in Spain to refuse to sell any produce from battery hens.
Grocery retailers in Spain have all agreed that by the year 2025, only free-range hen produce will be on their shelves, but Lidl has decided to start seven years early.
Mercadona and El Corte Inglés had agreed to progressively ensure no battery-hen goods were stocked between now and the 2025 deadline.
Director-general of Lidl in Spain, Miguel Paradela, says the chain is 'committed to animal welfare and sustainability' without compromising on its mission of 'offering the best quality at the lowest prices'.
All eggs retailed in Lidl stores in Spain come from four national producers, including the San Miguel and García Puente farms, and between them have invested over €40 million in adapting their methods and premises to Lidl's requirements that none of their hens are caged.
Paradela says even in times of high demand, the four farms' investments mean they are able to cope and Lidl will not have to resort to importing eggs to stock its shelves.
Lidl now guarantees all eggs are free-range, as it has stopped selling those marked as 'category 3', or produced by battery hens.
Only 'category 0', which are organic, 'category 1', from hens living in fields, and 'category 2', from hens in coops with outside space to move around in, will be retailed at Lidl.
Ceasing to sell battery-hens' eggs has turned out to be a good business move: from a 7% market share in 2016, the store forecasts an increase to 13% minimum in 2018.
Lidl in Spain now bears the AENOR kitemark, which comes with the official 'Animal Welfare' stamp.
It is also committed to extend its animal care policies to other creatures, but has not revealed which as yet.
