This afternoon (21^st October), at a ceremony in Paris we celebrated food companies committed to improving the lives of farmed animals around the world at our Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards. The ceremony was hosted by Deborah Meaden, our Patron, sustainable business advocate and star of the BBC’s Dragon’s Den.

49 winners from over 15 countries were recognised for their leadership in improving farmed animal welfare and promoting sustainable, nature-friendly food. Over 500 million animals each year will positively benefit from their commitments.

UK companies in the spotlight

Four of the winning businesses are based in the UK, and include:

• Marks & Spencer, food retailer, Special Recognition Award (Innovation Award category)
• Waitrose, food retailer, ‘Corporate’ Sustainable Food & Farming Award
• Lidl GB, food retailer, Bronze Level Planet Friendly Award
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition, petfood manufacturer, Good Egg Award

Through strategic partnerships with their shrimp producers and FAI farms, M&S have developed a comprehensive protocol to monitor the health and welfare of shrimp in their supply chain. The retailer received a Special Recognition Award for eliminating eyestalk ablation in their shrimp supply, a cruel practice that involves removing one of the shrimps’ eyes, believed to increase egg production. By providing farmers with training and tools, they are advancing all aspects of shrimp welfare throughout the entire life cycle.

Waitrose has long been a leader in animal welfare within the UK grocery sector, and they are now expanding their commitment to sustainability by trialling more nature-friendly production processes at their Leckford Estate. In 2019, Waitrose began taking a regenerative approach to farming on the Estate. After five years of rigorous testing and measurement, they are expanding this initiative to eight satellite farms as part of a broader effort to transition their entire UK supply chain to regenerative farming. This is further strengthened by Waitrose’s pledge to source UK meat, milk, eggs, fruit, and vegetables from farms using regenerative practices by 2035.

Lidl GB received a Bronze Level Planet Friendly Award for being the first UK retailer to launch an ambitious protein strategy to shift the proportion of protein sales to 25% plant-based by 2030, supporting a move towards meeting the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet and leading the industry in sustainable food transitions.

Hill's Pet Nutrition is recognised global leader in nutritional health care for cats and dogs. In 2024, they will meet their commitment to be 100% cage-free in Europe for all the eggs and egg products they buy, achieving this goal one year ahead of their original 2025 deadline. Hill's Pet Nutrition is the first petfood manufacturer in Europe to reach this target.

A crucial time for animals & the environment

This year’s awards have showcased the progress that companies worldwide are making toward more humane and sustainable food production. Small and large companies alike were also recognised for their efforts to tackle broader environmental impacts, such as soil degradation and biodiversity loss, through regenerative farming practices.

Deborah Meaden said: “It’s inspiring to see so many businesses around the world making significant strides in animal welfare and sustainability. These awards shine a light on the growing number of companies dedicated to making positive change, at such a crucial time for farmed animals and the environment.”

Dr Tracey Jones, our Global Director for Food Business, said: “The geographical diversity, range of species, and the vast number of animals set to benefit from this year’s award winners is truly remarkable.  With businesses represented not only from Europe and the UK, but also from India, Japan, China, Thailand, New Zealand, and across the Atlantic to Brazil, Chile, and the USA, the global reach of Compassion’s message for positive change is clearly evident.

“Our award winners have taken decisive action, demonstrating that successful business models can thrive while prioritising animal welfare. Many of this year’s winners are leading the way farming in harmony with nature, reducing reliance on animal proteins, and driving innovation. They stand as shining examples, proving that real change is possible – not only for the welfare of millions of farm animals but also for the health of people and the planet.”