Today we celebrated the companies around the world which are committed to improving the lives of farmed animals, at our Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards.

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.

The ceremony was hosted in Paris by Deborah Meaden, our Patron, sustainable business advocate and star of the BBC’s Dragon’s Den.

Global impact

The winners represented a wide range of countries – from China to Chile, India to Italy and the UK to the US. They are driving improvements across all corners of the food, farming and aquaculture industries.

Dutch dairy company Kalverliefde was recognised for keeping calves with their mothers for up to three months, whilst Marks and Spencer and Albert Hejn were thanked for committing to end eyestalk ablation - a cruel practice of removing a shrimp’s eye to increase egg production.

Ambition was recognised from Lidl GB and caterer Compass Group France, who have committed to major shifts towards plant -based proteins by 2030.

Small and large producers alike were also recognised for their efforts to tackle broader environmental impacts —such as soil degradation and biodiversity loss – through regenerative practices.

End the cage age

This year, companies received a record number of awards for committing to cage-free farming, improving the lives of hens, sows and rabbits. However, to truly End the Cage Age across the food industry, companies need legislators to enforce a cage ban.

In Europe, the recent consensus in the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture was promising – but we are still waiting for the EU to deliver its commitment to ban cages. For World Cage Free Day last week, we made this message loud and clear to MEPs.

A crucial time for animals and the environment

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.

“Our award winners have taken decisive action, demonstrating that successful business models can thrive while prioritising animal welfare. Cages are the very symbol of factory farming, and it’s inspiring to see so many companies dismantling that system and paving the way for a brighter future.

To create a truly future-fit food system, we now need legislators to follow their exemplary lead.”

Welfare Awards: businesses improve life for 500m animals