Several fast food chains are reconsidering their animal welfare programs because consumers are starting to show that they care about this issue. Wendy’s is the most recent company to make changes to its supply chain in order to improve the treatment of animals. The fast food company just announced it will only use eggs from cage-free chickens. Consumers have responded favorably to the move.
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Situation: Wendy’s Establishes Animal Welfare Supply Chain Requirements
Wendy’s has been working with animal welfare experts since the 1990s. During this process, outside experts have audited the fast food chain’s animal handling practices and made suggestions for improvement. Wendy’s committed to a comprehensive animal welfare program back in 2001 that covered all of its meat suppliers. Since that time, Wendy’s has eliminated gestation stalls within its pork supply chain and incorporated a chicken stunning process that is more humane than standard practices. The company’s next goal is to source eggs from exclusively cage-free chicken environments.
As Wendy’s Chief Communications Officer Liliana Esposito explains, “Animal welfare is a core part of our company’s role as a responsible corporate citizen. We’re proud of our commitment to move to 100 percent cage-free eggs for our breakfast items and will continue to incorporate evolving best practices in the areas of animal handling and welfare into our supply chain requirements.”
Approach: Timeline for Sourcing 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs
According to a study from the University of Kentucky, 40 percent of consumers say that animal welfare is important to them and it is something they consider before buying eggs and other animal products at grocery stores and restaurants. Additionally, consumers are showing a strong desire in knowing the source of their food and the practices used to produce that food. Wendy’s new cage-free egg sourcing goal is in direct response to this new way of consumer thinking.
Wendy’s announced its transition to sourcing 100 percent cage-free eggs on January 4, 2016. The company plans to complete the transition in all of its U.S. and Canadian locations by 2020. Wendy’s has 6,500 franchises, and the new animal welfare change affects more than 400 of those locations where breakfast is served.
Benefits and Implications: What More Needs to Be Done
Wendy’s may be able to take further action to improve its supply chain, but reform takes time. For instance, rumors have suggested that Wendy’s is also looking into using antibiotic-free chicken. The company began testing this concept at a few of its locations, but it has not made an announcement regarding widespread adoption at this point.
Competitors such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Taco Bell, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Panera have implemented similar cage-free sourcing practices, as well as other animal welfare reform initiatives. Other big brands in the food industry, such as Nestle and General Mills, are also making the switch. If Wendy’s experiences the same sort of success that other fast food chains do, then more animal welfare reforms will likely follow in the supply chain.[/show_to]
