European trend and environmental impact
Research conducted by Compassion in World Farming and the Food Ethics Council* shows that cage farming has an adverse impact on animal welfare and generates a larger carbon footprint compared to more ethical methods such as barn or free-range farming. Introducing changes by food producers is consistent with the goals of the European Green Deal, which assumes more sustainable agricultural practices.
“Lisner’s decision to phase out cage eggs from its products is a step that reflects changing consumer expectations and the evolution of the market. This is a change that concerns generational values. Generation Z, which constitutes a growing percentage of consumers who make decisions about their everyday purchases, attaches great importance to ethical production, sustainable development and animal welfare.” – says Krzysztof Badowski, Managing Partner of Strategy& (part of the PwC network), strategic, operational and transaction advisor in the FMCG and retail industries, heading the consumer goods and retail competence center in the Central and Eastern Europe region.
In turn, prof. Ph.D. Piotr Szeleszczuk, full professor at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, former head of the Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Pathology at the Institute of Veterinary Medicine at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences and a specialist in poultry diseases, draws attention to the comprehensive nature of the aspects – “Lisner’s decision regarding the change in egg quality is consistent with the assumptions of the 3Es – ecology, ethics and economics , combining them with the idea of sustainable poultry production and the implementation of the One Health concept. Ecology plays a key role in minimizing environmental impact by reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, rational management of natural resources and improving the quality of ecosystems. Ethics is reflected in care for animal welfare, transparency of production processes and responsibility towards society. Economics is about production efficiency, ensuring high-quality products while supporting local economies and reducing environmental costs. The implementation of the One Health concept, which assumes the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health, strengthens the importance of such activities, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach to global challenges.
From the report of the Open Cages Association and the Albert Schweitzer Foundation “Withdrawal of eggs from cage farming. Summary of progress in the food, trade and HoReCa industries shows that consumers attach great importance to the farm from which the eggs come. When purchasing eggs, breeding conditions are of key importance for 68.5%. respondents. Over 62 percent is willing to pay a higher price for eggs or egg products from farms that offer better living conditions for hens.
The vast majority of Poles (74.4%) have a negative opinion about cage farming, believing that it does not provide appropriate living conditions for laying hens, and 65%. wants a ban on cage breeding of laying hens. A significant majority of consumers (60.6%) support the abandonment of stores, food producers and restaurants from using eggs from caged farms. Almost 70 percent evaluates positively the actions of companies deciding to give up this type of eggs. Over 74 percent believes that companies should publicly report on progress in phasing out cage eggs.
“Abandoning cage farming is an important step in implementing the ESG strategy, which is becoming a standard in the food industry. Companies such as Lisner show that improving product quality and caring for the environment can go hand in hand. Such actions build consumer trust and have a positive impact on the entire industry.” – sums up Krzysztof Badowski.
“The well-being of hens is the most important value when it comes to egg quality nowadays. It is said that a happy hen is a happy egg, and a happy egg is a happy person. – adds prof. Ph.D. Piotr Szeleszczuk.
Lisner is a leader of change
Lisner’s decision is part of the company’s long-term strategy, which focuses on responsible production and improving ethical standards. The brand joins the group of companies that take specific actions for sustainable development, setting an example for other market players.
“The change introduced is a milestone in our brand’s social and environmental responsibility strategy. As a company committed to the values of sustainable development, we realize that our decisions affect not only consumers, but also the environment and animal welfare. We want to offer products that meet the expectations of modern consumers, while supporting more ethical and ecological agricultural practices. It is a commitment towards future generations and an expression of our concern for quality and responsibility at every stage of production,” emphasizes Greta Krzyżek – Malska, Marketing Manager Salads & Spreads Category, Lisner.
The company’s portfolio includes many products containing eggs, including: egg pastella with chives, egg pastella with chanterelles as well as vegetable and egg salads.
Lisner’s abandonment of cage eggs is a decision that goes beyond a simple gesture towards consumers – it is an action for a better world, in line with modern values, trends and market realities.
