Document type: article published by CIWF Agroalimentaire
Author: CIWF
Preview: The Better Chicken Commitment framework involves a set of evidence-based criteria which, when implemented, significantly improve the lives of millions of broiler chickens every year. Implementing the BCC also leads to better working conditions and therefore greater satisfaction among farmers, consolidates the brand image of companies, and helps meet the growing expectations of consumers, stakeholders and investors.
More than 380 companies have committed to the BCC in Europe. ChickenTrack 2024 assesses the progress of the 93 most influential companies. The original 2026 deadline is fast approaching, and the progress achieved by companies varies: while some are making clear progress towards their targets, many others are still not reporting. (...) Breed change and stocking density are the two most difficult criteria to implement, and have the lowest transition rates. Despite this, companies such as M&S and Norsk Kylling, which have achieved full BCC compliance for their fresh produce and total production respectively, demonstrate that such a transition is possible.
ChickenTrack 2024 also highlights the satisfactory progress made by some companies (such as Premier Foods, Greggs plc and Eataly), overall or for three or more criteria. Despite this, ChickenTrack 2024 is also a clear call to immediate and decisive action for many companies to activate their transition to the Better Chicken Commitment. (...)
9 companies have published a global report on average progress for all criteria: Average progress for all criteria 44.7%. (...)
11 companies are reporting progress for the first time
7 companies that were included in ChickenTrack 2023 but had not yet provided data published their first reports in 2024:
- Alcampo
- Auchan Poland
- Burger King United Kingdom
- Eataly
- Galliance
- Okay
- Bofrost (Italy)
4 companies evaluated in ChickenTrack for the first time this year also reported for the first time in 2024:
- Big Mamma Group
- Les 3 Brasseurs
- Taiko Foods
- Yo! Sushi
Roadmaps for the BCC framework
This year, two companies have published a roadmap detailing intermediate targets for each criterion: Burger King France, Big Mamma Group
29 companies have not published any reporting
Public commitments are only the first step in ensuring that broiler farming is more respectful of the welfare of chickens. It's when a company implements changes and reports on progress in its transition to BCC that it demonstrates accountability to its commitments and highlights the work it has done. We therefore encourage the following companies to report on their transition: (...)
New strategies on sustainability
(...) The environmental impact of breed changes and lower rearing densities are a source of concern for industry players. To be sustainable, a broiler production model must reconcile animal welfare and environmental impact, by applying effective mitigation strategies that reduce the environmental impact of breeding systems guaranteeing a better level of animal welfare. For example, replacing unsustainable soya in bird feed with local, sustainable proteins can massively reduce emissions, while using slower-growing breeds can reduce how much protein is needed in feed. Other strategies include converting effluent into biofuels, making use of all parts of the carcass, or reducing the proportion of meat in prepared meals. BCC production offers a range of additional advantages that need to be taken into account, including benefits for human health (e.g. reduced use of antibiotics) and better working conditions for farmers, while meeting growing consumer demand for production conditions that guarantee better animal welfare. (...)
Concrete measures to meet the 2026 deadline
The BCC's 2026 deadline is fast approaching, and the time has come for decisive action. To avoid delays or hesitations that could push us off course, here are a few practical measures to put in place that will help us to stay on track and bring about real change.
- Reaffirming company commitments (...)
- Updating operational plans (...)
- Investing in transition (...)
- Phased implementation (...)
- Reporting on progress: publishing roadmaps for transition (including beyond 2026, where exemptions are requested), as well as annual reporting, are essential to bolstering the confidence of consumers, stakeholders and investors. Internally, clarity enables teams to know where the plan is heading.
CIWF is aware of the challenges facing companies who have signed up to BCC, and is here to support you and help you make the transition. That's why we've launched the Better Chicken Business Network (BCBN) which connects supply chain stakeholders and helps them address their sourcing needs (see our new BCBN product supplier list), improve carcass balance and develop cost mitigation strategies. A series of webinars, forums and study tours will be offered in the coming year.
