Aldi has promised to phase out caged eggs just one month after facing fierce backlash online over its stance on caged eggs.
Last month, numerous people flocked to Aldi’s Facebook page to give the retailer a piece of their mind, saying they will take their money elsewhere.
The supermarket giant held its ground and argued customers should have a choice between a cheaper option for people wanting to vote with their wallets, and a more expensive option for those opposed to caged eggs.
“We will continue to provide our customers with these three options,” Aldi said at the time.
“By offering a range of quality eggs, consumers can make their purchasing decisions based on value and affordability.”
Today, Aldi softened its stance, saying in a statement issued to SmartCompany that 100% of its eggs will come from cage-free hens, with the policy to be phased in over the next nine years.
“Aldi believes the best outcome will be achieved for everyone when the transition is done co-operatively and collaboratively with the industry, customers and other relevant parties,” the spokesperson for the supermarket said.
The announcement has copped some backlash from sceptical customers, but Aldi has defended the decision, saying it needs time to make sure 100% of its eggs are cage-free.
At the moment, Aldi sells caged eggs, barn-laid eggs and free-range varieties.
Woolworths was the first major supermarket in Australia to announce it would only sell cage-free eggs back in 2014.
Broede Carmody is a former senior SmartCompany reporter. Before this, he was a co-editor of RMIT University’s student magazine Catalyst.
