Business Leadership in Animal Welfare

Aaron Ross giving a presentation desktop

Businesses for a Better Food System

The market has spoken

Consumer expectations are clear: ethical sourcing is no longer optional. It’s essential.

  • 78% of US consumers express concern about the welfare of animals raised for food.
  • 70% pay attention to labels on animal-derived products indicating how the animals were raised.
  • 86% of grocery shoppers actively searched for—and paid extra for—more ethically sourced products.
  • 82% of likely voters agreed that companies should be required to be transparent about their animal protection measures.

The shift to more ethically sourced products—like cage-free eggs—isn’t just a trend. It’s a transformation reshaping the food industry. McKinsey & Company’s research confirms a “clear and material link” between consumer spending and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments like cage-free sourcing, making it “not just a moral imperative but also a solid business decision.”

With a growing majority of consumers now demanding transparency in animal welfare practices, forward-thinking business leaders have never been better positioned to honor consumer demand.

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2/3

of consumers describe transparency in animal protein as “extremely” or “very” important

Source: Progressive Grocer

80%

of likely voters said that preventing animal cruelty was a matter of personal moral concern

Source: Data for Progress

1/2

of all egg producers closed or tore down cages in 2023

Source: WATT Poultry

Collaborative transformation

Taking a data-driven approach that leverages consumer sentiment analysis, supply chain economics, and animal welfare science, The Humane League partners with forward-thinking companies to:

  • Develop robust animal welfare strategies
  • Anticipate market shifts
  • Mitigate reputational risks
  • Align with emerging consumer values

To date, The Humane League has collaborated with hundreds of food businesses around the world to align on commonsense animal welfare policies. We’re a team of trusted consultants with a track record of partnering with companies as they phase cages out of their supply chains. Previously, we’ve collaborated with PepsiCo, CVS, Kellogg’s, Yum! Brands, and more to report progress toward and/or complete successful cage-free transitions. Our work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Watt Poultry, and more.

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MAKING AN IMPACT

Across the food industry, The Humane League has influenced companies to spare animals from the worst forms of abuse.

Restaurants & Bakeries

Arby's, Aspire Bakeries (Otis Spunkmeyer), Barnes & Noble Cafe, Benihana, Black Bear Diner, Bloomin' Brands, Burger King, Carl's Jr., Columbus Cafe & Co, Dairy Queen, Del Taco, Denny's, First Watch, Hardee's, Kona Grill, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Krispy Kreme, Le Pain Quotidien, Nando's, Panda Express, Panera Bread, Peet's Coffee, Pinstripes, Pizza Hut, Popeyes, Pret A Manger, Quiznos, Rubio's, Taco Bell, TGI Fridays, Toridoll, Wagamama, Yum! Brands

Manufacturers

Campbell's, Cerealto Siro, Colombina, Condito S.A., Divella, General Mills, Hain Celestial, Hershey, Hostess, J.M. Smucker, Kellogg's, Minor Food, Mondelēz, PepsiCo, Rians, Schwan's Company, Unilever

Retailers

Aldi, BJ's Wholesale, Casey's, Costco, CVS, Giant Eagle, Lucky's, Morton Williams, Rite Aid, Sprouts, Walgreens, Whole Foods

Foodservice & Hospitality

Aramark, Caesars Entertainment, Carnival, Compass Group, Delaware North, Gategroup, Hyatt, Healthcare Services Group, ISS, Lancer Hospitality, Marriott, Metz Culinary Management, MMI Dining, Peninsula Hotels, Royal Caribbean, Sodexo, Sterling Spoon Culinary Management, Viking