Abby Jade Sarfas
The Open Wing Alliance’s most recent progress report indicates that global fulfillment of cage-free egg commitments from companies with deadlines of 2024 has risen to 92%, up from 89% last year.
Thanks to compassionate people like you calling on companies across the globe to end the worst forms of cruelty toward animals, many of the billions of hens who suffer in tiny cages every day are getting a little closer to spreading their wings. As of July 2025, 92% of cage-free egg commitments with deadlines of 2024 or earlier have been fulfilled—up from 89% last year in the previous period. This means millions of hens have been spared from the cruel reality of life in cages.
The Open Wing Alliance (OWA) is a global network founded on one guiding principle: that every hen deserves the space to spread her wings. Founded in 2016, the OWA brings together animal advocacy organizations around the world to end the abuse of chickens raised for food. Today, the thriving coalition shares knowledge and resources across six continents. 74 countries. 95 member groups—and counting. And with over 2,750 companies committing to spare the hens in their supply chains from brutal cages, that vision is becoming reality.
Global shift toward transparency bodes well for cage-free progress
Corporate transparency reached new heights this year as 25 global companies published cage-free reporting for the first time in 2024. Fifteen global companies took the additional step of breaking down their cage-free reporting by region for the first time, joining many companies already doing so—a crucial move toward demonstrating equitable progress across diverse markets.
In 2024 alone, 85 global companies reported progress on their cage-free commitments, positively impacting an estimated 3.3 million hens.
This year also brought several groundbreaking developments in corporate accountability. Compass Group—the world's largest foodservice company—became the first company to publicly commit to using impact incentives for cage-free transition in emerging markets. Industry giant Aramark quickly followed suit, demonstrating growing recognition of innovative solutions to accelerate progress in more challenging markets.
Viking Cruises exemplified how swift progress is possible, achieving 99% cage-free sourcing globally just one year after publishing its commitment. By early 2025, Viking reached 100% fulfillment, proving that rapid transition is achievable when companies prioritize animal welfare.
Companies faced with ongoing demand for cage-free reporting
This year represents a key milestone in the global shift to cage-free, with a significant number of cage-free egg commitments from companies coming due in 2025. This year’s findings from the OWA’s cage-free egg fulfillment report indicate that the vast majority of companies that had commitments with deadlines in 2024 did fulfill their cage-free commitments on time–a track record that bodes well for caged hens and socially conscious consumers going forward.
Cage-free reporting is a highly effective framework for meeting animal welfare goals in a transparent, timely manner. It’s also the industry standard for responsible sourcing and corporate accountability. By publishing their progress at incremental benchmarks as they transition to cage-free sourcing, companies stay accountable to their own timelines while modeling integrity to their customers. Sharing clear, tangible progress throughout the cage-free transition builds trust and mitigates concerns about “greenwashing” or “humanewashing.”
Next year’s fulfillment report will reveal which companies are truly honoring their word, and which companies are falling short despite years of preparation. A commitment alone is no longer enough. Transparent progress reporting is essential to demonstrate credibility, accountability, and meaningful action.
How can I help?
Your voice is critical in 2025. This year marks not just the culmination of many cage-free commitments, but a decisive shift toward a future where cruel cages are relegated to history.
Join thousands of compassionate changemakers just like you as they stand up and speak up for egg-laying hens around the world.
