Leading US food retailer, The Kroger Co., is the latest company to join GCAW, on the heels of Tesco, Tyson Foods, Maple Leaf Foods, The Cheesecake Factory and Hilton Food Group.
The Global Coalition for Animal Welfare (GCAW), the world’s first industry-led collaboration aimed at advancing animal welfare standards throughout the global food supply chain, is delighted to welcome The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) as its latest member.
GCAW is a targeted, action-oriented, multi-stakeholder platform for the advancement of farm animal welfare globally. The newest members join GCAW’s seven founding companies: Aramark, Compass Group, Elior Group, IKEA Food Services, Nestlé, Sodexo and Unilever, who are themselves among the largest names in global food production and food service. The newly expanded coalition of 13 leading food companies is responsible for over $400 billion in combined revenues[1].
Nicky Amos, Managing Director of Chronos Sustainability and Executive Director of GCAW, said: “With yet another major food retailer joining GCAW, our members can benefit from the know-how and welfare expertise across the value chain, which is vital to developing an industry-led approach to transforming the welfare of the most farmed species, including laying hens, broiler chickens and pigs.”
Dr Birte Nielsen, Independent Chair of GCAW said: “As GCAW enters the next stage of its development, knowing that world-leading food businesses have the commitment, confidence and courage to come together to collaborate on animal welfare is exciting and encouraging in equal measure. It is testament to the reality and urgency of addressing farm animal welfare in global supply chains, one of the founding principles of GCAW and its member organisations. On behalf of GCAW, its founding members and secretariat, I extend the warmest of welcomes to Kroger.”
[1] Approximately $409.3 billion (USD) in combined revenues for financial year 2019. Source: GCAW member company annual reports.
