Iceland criticised after withdrawing from its cage-free egg commitment
15th May 2025
Iceland has abandoned its 2025 cage-free egg commitment, becoming the first among major UK retailers to do so, the British Free Range Egg Producers Association has confirmed.
In 2016, the chain had committed to sourcing only cage-free whole eggs by the end of this year.
However, that commitment has now been quietly removed from Iceland’s website, indicating a policy reversal, BFREPA said.
An Iceland spokesperson told The Grocer that the move is set to help customers during the cost-of-living crisis, prioritising affordability over cage-free sourcing.
The retailer said that it still supports consumer choice and will continue offering free-range and barn eggs while trying to provide higher-welfare options at prices people can afford.
Farmers Guide approached Iceland for further comment.
‘The future for hens is clearly cage-free’
The move has drawn criticism from animal welfare campaigners, including Compassion in World Farming (CIWF).
Louise Valducci, head of food business (EU programme) at CIWF, said: “It’s deeply disappointing that Iceland has abandoned its 2025 cage-free egg commitment, especially when so many other UK retailers have already met or are progressing towards their cage-free goals.
“Hens confined to small wire cages are denied the freedom to express natural behaviours, and all animals farmed in cages suffer immensely. That’s why we work with food companies to ensure every animal can live a cage-free life.
“Iceland’s decision not only reflects a troubling disregard for animal welfare but also risks serious reputational damage. The future for hens is clearly cage-free, and consumers are rapidly consigning cages to history.
“With legislation to ban cages within reach, this is a backward step that leaves Iceland behind.”
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