Aldi, the UK’s fourth largest supermarket, is set to introduce new stocking density requirements for its fresh chicken suppliers. The transition, which will be complete by the end of October 2024, will mean that Aldi fresh chicken will have 20% more space than the industry standard.
The move comes hot on the heels of Tesco, which made the same commitment last month to reduce maximum stocking density to 30kg per metre, instead of 38kg per square metre, which is the maximum allowed under Red Tractor standards.
All of Aldi’s fresh chicken is sourced from British farms and, separate to its support in transitioning to higher welfare standards, Aldi said it had committed to significant multi-million pound financial support for its chicken farmers and suppliers over the course of 2024/25.
Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “Animal welfare is of paramount importance to us. We’re already one of the UK’s largest providers of responsibly farmed chicken and we’ve been working hard with our suppliers to reduce stocking density to help us improve the living conditions of these animals even further.
“Thanks to this latest improvement, customers will be provided with access to higher welfare chicken at the same great value that can’t be matched.”