Published 27/07/2020

We are delighted to share that Nando’s, who signed up to the Better Chicken Commitment in May, has today (27th July) formally released its public commitment to raise chicken standards across its UK and Ireland supply chains.

Championing better chicken welfare

By 2026, all Nando’s chicken will come from approved breeds that have better welfare outcomes and are reared at lower stocking densities, with access to perches, pecking substrates and natural light.

They have simultaneously announced sustainability targets, to achieve absolute zero direct emissions and reduce the carbon footprint their meals by 2030. Nando’s are also committing to increase their plant-based menu options and reduce the carbon footprint of their chicken feed.

These latest pledges complement their use of only free-range eggs and organic milk, and add to their Fairtrade and local sourcing credentials.

They join a growing list of signatories to the Better Chicken Commitment, including Pizza Express, who recognise the urgent need for broiler (meat chicken) welfare improvement. Like Nando’s, the pizzeria restaurant chain has also recently committed to improve chicken welfare, despite this being a challenging time for the sector.

Forging ahead

Our Global Director of Food Business, Dr Tracey Jones, says: “I am delighted to see such a popular brand like Nando’s, famous for their peri-peri chicken, championing the move for better chicken welfare. It’s the right thing to do and the team at Nando’s are committed to getting the job done.

“Nando’s has made this commitment at a time of great uncertainty, particularly in the food service sector, as the world deals with the effects of COVID-19. Now, more than ever, responsible food production with the animal and environment at its heart, is of the utmost importance and we applaud Nando’s forging ahead with their plans.”

Treating animals humanely and with compassion

Last week (22^nd July), KFC released the first of what will be an annual progress report documenting their ongoing journey towards improving chicken welfare in their supply chain. It is fantastic to see KFC engaging with animal welfare in such an open, pro-active and enterprising way.

For a number of years, KFC has demonstrated that animal welfare is an important part of their brand, formally recognising animal sentience in their internal policies, moving to 100% free-range eggs, and, more recently, being the first in the fast food service sector sign up to the Better Chicken Commitment.

A shining example of leadership

Dr Tracey Jones continues: “KFC’s commitment to Better Chicken and it’s transparency in reporting annual progress is a shining example of leadership and a proactive approach to improving the lives of the millions of farm animals in its supply.

“There has never been a more important time to improve farm animal welfare and a true market shift to higher welfare chicken is achievable if the food industry works together to make it a success.”

Read more about the Better Chicken Commitment here