Compassion in World Farming has released its latest European ChickenTrack report, tracking companies’ progress toward meeting the higher welfare requirements of the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC).
ChickenTrack reports on compliance with the science-based criteria behind the BCC that, when met in full, will significantly improve the lives of millions of broiler chickens.
While some companies have made progress, with improvements varying across different criteria, many still lag behind. With the 2026 deadline fast approaching, urgent action is needed for companies to fulfil their commitments.
Over 380 companies have signed up to the BCC in Europe and ChickenTrack 2024 evaluates the progress of the 93 most influential companies – selected on geographic relevance, size and overall ‘chicken footprint’ – across eight European countries. These include 37 retailers and meal kit providers, nine food service & hospitality companies, 29 restaurants, 11 manufacturers and seven producers.
Of the 93 companies tracked, 64 are reporting on progress, but 29 have yet to disclose any updates. This year, 11 companies are reporting on transition progress for the first time, including Eataly in Italy which has made significant strides – achieving 90% transition on stocking density, 80% on breed, and 70% on Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS). Four of these 11 companies are completely new to ChickenTrack in 2024: Big Mamma Group, Les 3 Brasseurs, Taiko Foods and Yo! Sushi.
Breed change and stocking density remain two of the most challenging BCC production criteria to implement and have the lowest transition rates. Among companies reporting progress by criteria, only two – Schiever Distribution and Waitrose – report 100% compliance on stocking density, with an additional six at over 50% transition. Schiever Distribution is the only company to report 100% compliance on breed, with Eataly and Monoprix also making significant progress in this area, reporting over 50% compliance. Additionally, six companies have reached over 30% compliance on breed.
Two companies demonstrated strong year-on-year progress. Greggs significantly improved its compliance in 2024, increasing stocking density from 49% to 65% in 2024, natural light from 16% to 78% and enrichment from 64% to 85%. Premier Foods plc reported a 65% overall transition progress this year, marking a significant improvement on last year where they reported 45% compliance on stocking density and enrichment, and 100% compliance on CAS.
In stark contrast, a significant number of companies are falling behind, reporting less than 20% transition on key BCC criteria. This includes 30 companies for stocking density, 35 for slower growing breeds, 17 for natural light, 20 for enrichment, and 10 for CAS. ChickenTrack 2024 exposes this lack of progress as a clear wake up call, urging companies to take their commitments seriously and act decisively now.
M&S (for fresh chicken) and Norsk Kylling have demonstrated that 100% BCC compliance is not only doable but economically viable and profitable. ChickenTrack 2024 highlights two other companies setting a strong example by publishing new BCC strategic roadmaps this year, providing a valuable blueprint for others to follow – Big Mamma Group (Europe) and Burger King (France).
Companies can drive progress on their commitments by mapping out their supply chains, securing necessary investments and building long-term partnerships to ensure a smooth transition. Clear, public-facing timelines and regular in-year reporting are essential for maintaining trust with customers, shareholders and investors.
Compassion offers tailored support to help companies develop structured roadmaps, which are crucial for a successful transition. Companies are also encouraged to join the Better Chicken Business Network, launched last year by Compassion as a dedicated hub for the latest news, events and exclusive content related to the BCC. The network helps tackle challenges in the broiler supply chain by connecting companies struggling to find BCC-compliant suppliers or buyers, ultimately driving a future where BCC-compliance becomes the industry standard.
Dr. Tracey Jones, Global Director of Food Business, Compassion in World Farming, concludes: “Chickens are sentient beings who deserve a good quality of life, with the ability to express their natural behaviours. The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) sets out five clear steps to improve their welfare, and ChickenTrack plays a crucial role in monitoring company progress.
“To make higher-welfare chicken the norm, we urge companies to adopt the BCC and invest in meaningful change through robust action plans and transparent progress reporting. Only when companies reach 100% compliance will we achieve the full impact for chickens.”