Abby Jade Sarfas
While other companies did the right thing, these global brands chose cages over compassion.
They made one promise: end suffering for hens by 2025. But five major corporations failed the animals they pledged to protect.
They had years to phase out cages—with clear deadlines, public support, and growing pressure across industries. But when it came time to turn talking points into action items, they were out of office.
The names behind the neglect? Radisson, Puratos, Alsea, Couche-Tard, and Newrest. Each landed on the “worst of the worst” list in the 2025 Fair and Fowl Report as the lowest performers in their industries. They fell short where it matters most: protecting animals.
Hens in cages can’t turn around. They can’t stretch their wings. Many endure lifelong chronic pain, feather loss, broken bones, and extreme distress—all for the sake of cutting costs.
Ethics audit: the hall of shame
While the majority of companies are reporting strong cage-free progress or fulfilling their commitments, these five are still clinging to a system that treats living, feeling animals like inventory. Millions of hens remain locked in cruel cages.
Let’s circle back to what still hasn’t happened. Here’s how each company earned its spot on the “worst of the worst” list.
Radisson
Progress remains dismally low—and now, the company has quietly removed the deadline altogether. After publicly committing to go cage-free by 2025, Radisson has backtracked, leaving its original promise in the dust and hens still trapped in cages.
Puratos
Years have passed with no real progress and no public roadmap in sight. Puratos hasn’t shown how it plans to meet its own cage-free deadline, raising serious doubts about whether it ever will.
Alsea
Despite the global scope of its commitment, Alsea only reports partial progress. With the deadline looming, it’s falling short on both transparency and follow-through—leaving millions of hens behind.
Couche-Tard
The strategy appears to be simple: say nothing. Couche-Tard’s refusal to share meaningful updates makes it impossible to track progress—if any exists at all. Consumers deserve answers. So do the animals.
Newrest
Progress has been disappointingly slow. And without a clear plan to reach 100% cage-free, it’s hard to take Newrest’s commitment seriously. It’s time for Newrest to show leadership and deliver real change for hens.
Accountability: overdue for hens
Every delay has a cost, and animals are the ones paying for it.
Missed updates might sound small. But for the hens still stuck in cages, they mean another day of suffering. The Open Wing Alliance urges these companies to issue public updates and meet the same basic standards their competitors already have.
The good news? Progress doesn’t just depend on corporations, it depends on us demanding better. Companies pay attention to their customers. And your voice really does make a difference.
Tell them the deadline is looming, and we are still waiting. Take action now to put accountability back on the agenda.
