European Supermarket Magazine reports that from 1 July 2019, Conad will cease the sale of eggs from caged hens (category 3) from its entire range.

This represents a continuation of the initiative started in 2018 with the removal of eggs from caged hens from Conad branded products.

According to the retailer, in the period from September 2017 to September 2018, egg sales reached €38.7 million, up 2.8 percent on the same period of the previous year.

In the same period, sales of eggs from caged hens dropped by 69 percent. Currently, the so-called category 3 eggs represent 17 percent of the market in value, and the figure for September 2018 reveals a further drop to 12 percent.

At the same time, the purchases of eggs from free range hens increased by 137.6 percent. This category now accounts for a 63 percent market share in value.

The turnover of eggs from hens raised in the open is also growing, increasing by 23.6 percent, and representing 20 percent ​​of sales in value.

MD makes a move

Italy’s second biggest discounter MD has also announced that, as of 1 December 2018, it will sell only eggs from free range hens.

By this date, all eggs in its private label brands 'Cà bianca' and 'Bio' will only come from free range hens or organic farms.

MD added that it has always monitored compliance with current animal breeding regulations.