Aldi, the UK’s fourth largest supermarket, is taking significant steps to enhance the quality of life for livestock by introducing new stocking density requirements for its fresh chicken suppliers. The transition to these higher welfare standards, set to be complete by the end of October 2024, will ensure that Aldi’s fresh chicken has 20% more space than the industry standard.

This move provides each animal with additional room to engage in natural behaviours such as stretching their wings, dust bathing, and roaming. Furthermore, the new standard guarantees that the birds will continue to have increased access to environmental enrichment, including straw bales, perches, pecking objects, and natural light.

All of Aldi’s fresh chicken is sourced from British farms. In addition to supporting the transition to higher welfare standards, Aldi has committed to providing substantial financial support to its chicken farmers and suppliers throughout 2024/25.

Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, emphasized the importance of animal welfare: “We’re already one of the UK’s largest providers of responsibly farmed chicken, and we’ve been working closely with our suppliers to reduce stocking density. Thanks to this latest improvement, customers will have access to higher welfare chicken at unbeatable value.”