We applaud Kroger for committing to better pig welfare

As the largest supermarket chain in the United States, with more than 2,000 stores in 35 states, Kroger will transform the lives of thousands of pigs with its industry-leading commitment.

Following our US petition which was signed by more than 72,000 supporters calling on the supermarket giant to protect pigs, Kroger has publicly disclosed a stated goal of sourcing 100% of the fresh pork the company sells from suppliers that have transitioned all their self-operated and contracted farms away from gestation crates by 2025.

We applaud this move, and believe it is a critical step in changing an industry that has enabled the growth of factory farming for far too long. Leading supermarket brands like Kroger have the power to end this needless suffering, and commitments like this are the first step to improving the lives of pigs on factory farms. 

Three out of four of the world’s mother pigs spend most of their lives in steel cages no bigger than a refrigerator, unable to turn around or move freely. They suffer at every stage of their lives.

Leading the industry

Alesia Soltanpanah, our US executive director, said, “We are glad that Kroger has listened to the public and made this industry-leading commitment to improve the lives of pigs.”

As one of the first grocery store chains to transition to cage-free eggs, Kroger has long been a food industry leader on animal welfare policies.

“Mother pigs in gestation crates suffer terribly, but a more humane way to raise pigs is possible, as Kroger has committed to,” said Soltanpanah. “We urge all major food companies to follow Kroger’s lead by phasing out gestation crates and encourage Kroger to share updates on its progress towards its goal.”

A mother pig in enriched group housing

Our campaign

Humane farming is good for animals, healthier for people, and a best practice for business. Good animal welfare practices reduce stress, injury and disease, decreasing the overuse of antibiotics. More antibiotics are used for animals in the US than for humans.

We urge all supermarketa and global pork producers to follow Kroger’s example by implementing clear, time-bound commitments to eliminate gestation crates for pigs from their supply chain. Companies should also share transparent updates on their progress.

This announcement from Kroger follows two other campaign wins with global pork producers Betagro and CP Foods.

Join our global community

For more updates on this campagn and our other vital work, sign up to our newsletter

We are glad that Kroger has listened to the public and made this industry-leading commitment to improve the lives of pigs