Costco, the world’s second largest retailer, has announced a new policy of sourcing only cage-free eggs across its global supply chain. The move covers Costco’s growing international footprint, which includes mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Australia, Canada and Europe.
“We are in the process of making that transition [to cage-free eggs],” said Josh Dahmen, Financial Planning and Investor Relations Director for Costco in an email to investors this week. “We will continue to increase the percentage over time, with a goal of eventually getting to 100%, although this may take several years in some countries, due to issues with availability.
“In addition to focusing on animal welfare because it is the right thing to do, Costco believes failure to do so would create risks for the business and its shareholders,” the company noted in its updated animal welfare policy. “The failure to provide adequately for the welfare of animals throughout Costco’s supply chain could have significant adverse effects on the business and operations of the company and its investors.”