European ChickenTrack 2025: Welfare gains amid slow momentum on breed change
Global animal welfare group Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) has released its latest European ChickenTrack report, offering a detailed assessment of how major food companies are progressing against the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC).
With more than 410 companies now signed up across Europe, the BCC continues to represent the most significant coordinated push for higher-welfare broiler production to date.
This year’s report tracks progress among 107 of the most influential signatories, whose supply chains collectively represent more than 794 million chickens every year. Of these companies, 76 reported on their progress – a modest increase that lifts the overall reporting rate from 69% to 71%. CIWF added 19 new companies to the 2025 assessment, 16 of which have already begun reporting.
Headline improvements – and a standout year for Waitrose
The 2025 findings confirm meaningful, if uneven, progress. Across all BCC criteria, the sector shows upward movement compared with 2024, with the strongest gains in natural light provision, environmental enrichment, and controlled atmosphere stunning (CAS).
One of the most striking achievements this year came from UK firm Waitrose, which made a dramatic leap in its breed transition, rising from 14% to 100% in just 12 months. Alongside REMA 1000 Norge AS, Waitrose has now achieved full BCC compliance ahead of the 2026 deadline, joining Norsk Kylling, which reached 100% compliance back in 2022.
CIWF estimates that as a result of industry progress, 163 million chickens benefited from on‑farm welfare improvements over the past year.
Companies leading the way
Several brands stood out for strong, broad-based progress. Cortilia, Eataly Italy, Groupe Casino, Big Mamma France and Premier Foods have now reached 50% or more on all key on‑farm criteria (breed, stocking density, natural light and enrichment). Big Mamma France is compliant with all BCC criteria except third‑party auditing.
HelloFresh was the only company to record an improvement of at least 10 percentage points across every criterion since last year.
Breed transition – still the biggest sticking point
Despite encouraging signs, breed transition continues to lag far behind other aspects of the BCC. Of the reporting companies, 36 report less than 10% progress on adopting slower‑growing breeds, with 17 at 0%. These include large names such as Compass Group, Burger King, Papa Johns, and KFC UK & Ireland, which currently sits at just 0.7%.
However, pockets of progress are emerging. Some 16 companies have now reached 30% or more transition on slower‑growing breeds. Of these, 9 have exceeded the 50% mark – up from only 3 last year. Eataly Italy reached 90%, building on a 10‑point increase, while Les 3 Brasseurs and Fileni achieved 12‑point rises.
Stocking density – big improvements, especially in the UK
Stocking density remains another challenging area, but 8 companies – including Greggs, Marks & Spencer, Big Mamma France and Pret – have now reached full compliance. The biggest year‑on‑year progress came from M&S and Greggs, rising from 31% and 65%, respectively, to 100%.
Across the UK market, stocking density is the most improved criterion, rising from an average 38% in 2024 to 68% in 2025. Since Sainsbury’s set a maximum stocking density of 30kg/m² in 2023, 7 more UK supermarkets have followed suit – meaning 8 of the 12 major retailers now apply the standard to all fresh chicken.
Concerns over companies stepping back
A significant concern flagged in the report is the number of companies failing to report progress – 31 of the 107 assessed. In the UK, notable non‑reporters include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Subway and TGI Fridays.
More troubling still is the recent decision by 18 UK brands – among them Burger King, Nando’s, Bella Italia, Wagamama, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, KFC, Prezzo and Unilever – to withdraw from their BCC commitments altogether. Many cite breed transition as the reason, but CIWF warns that without breed change, other welfare gains cannot deliver their full benefits.
CIWF is urging all BCC signatories to publish clear transition roadmaps supported by detailed action plans. This year, 8 more companies have done so, bringing the total to 12.
“Cause for celebration – but progress must accelerate”
Commenting on the results, Dr Tracey Jones, CIWF’s global director of Food Business, welcomed the advances made by leading retailers but stressed the urgent need for momentum on breed change.
She warned that UK hospitality businesses stepping back risk undermining progress at a moment when farmers, retailers and consumers are increasingly aligned in support of higher‑welfare chicken. “Companies must stay the course,” she said.
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