The global hospitality giant uses an estimated 89 million eggs each year, while keeping the public in the dark on its cage-free progress.
The global hospitality giant uses an estimated 89 million eggs each year, while keeping the public in the dark on its cage-free progress.
The Open Wing Alliance (OWA), a global coalition of nearly 100 organizations working to end the abuse of chickens worldwide, is calling on global hospitality powerhouse Best Western Hotels & Resorts to publicly report on its global cage-free progress for all eggs in its supply chain for all locations and brands. The company pledged in 2019 to transition to 100% cage-free eggs by the end of 2025, but has failed to provide any updates on its progress. Best Western uses an estimated 89,784,000 eggs annually across its portfolio. With 19 brands and over 4,300 properties in 100 countries, the company’s silence is alarming and unacceptable.
“Best Western’s refusal to share even basic updates on its cage-free progress reflects a troubling lack of transparency,” said Brooke Fane, Sr. Global Campaigns Lead at the Open Wing Alliance. “Hundreds of companies, including direct competitors like Hilton and IHG, have issued detailed global reports. Best Western’s customers and stakeholders deserve the same accountability.”
An estimated 319,516 hens each year are confined in battery cages to supply eggs to Best Western properties. These cages are so small that hens cannot spread their wings, nest, or engage in other natural behaviors, leading to immense physical and psychological suffering. As bird flu spreads worldwide, relying on caged egg systems isn’t just cruel—it’s reckless, creating ideal conditions for disease and putting public health at risk.
Cage-free eggs are rapidly becoming the global standard. More than 2,700 companies, including 175+ multinational corporations, have pledged to go cage-free. The OWA is demanding that Best Western join industry leaders by reporting on its global progress across all egg types—shell, liquid, and processed—and across all locations and business models, including franchised and managed properties.
Karen Hirsch
