Cage Free Report Tracks Food Makers’ Commitments
Cage-free egg sourcing is assessed in The Humane League’s 2026 report on U.S. food manufacturers’ public commitments.
The Humane League has released its first U.S. Food Manufacturing Industry Eggsposé, assessing major food manufacturers’ progress toward 100% cage-free egg sourcing. The report recognizes Danone, The Hershey Company, Hain Celestial, and The Campbell’s Company for fulfilling commitments, with milestones ranging from 2020 through 2025. It also identifies Ruiz Foods, HP Hood, Land O’Lakes, and Flowers Foods as companies with unclear, removed, missed, or unreported commitments. Nearly half of the U.S. egg-laying flock is now cage-free, according to the report.
Manufacturers’ Progress Examined
Food manufacturers purchase billions of eggs each year, making the sector one of the country’s largest egg buyers. The report points to sourcing changes, product reformulation, and egg reduction strategies as routes companies have used to fulfill or make progress on their commitments, citing Conagra Brands and PepsiCo.
Liz Fergus, Senior Corporate Relations Manager, U.S., at The Humane League, said:
“The cage-free transition is no longer aspirational; it has become an industry reality. Our Hall of Fame companies have shown that fulfilling cage-free commitments is both achievable and practical. Companies in our Hall of Shame have had nearly a decade to phase out controversial cages. With cage-free egg supply continuing to expand and consumer expectations around responsible sourcing practices growing stronger, it's time for these remaining food manufacturers to deliver on the promises they made.”
Consumer Expectations And Sourcing
The report cites research finding that 85% of U.S. adults find the confinement of hens in cages unacceptable. It also cites a study showing that 81% of U.S. consumers believe sustainability should include animal health and welfare.
A McKinsey and NielsenIQ study cited in the report found that products carrying ESG-related claims recorded 28% cumulative growth over five years, compared with 20% for products without those claims.
Commitments Remain In Focus
The 2026 report is the second installment in The Humane League’s annual Eggsposé series examining corporate cage-free commitments across major food sectors. The full report includes company ratings and industry analysis.
The organization’s cage-free work is available through EndCages.com.
