Major food companies increasingly report on animal welfare as part of ESG frameworks. Understanding what good reporting looks like helps investors and consumers hold companies accountable.
Corporate sustainability reporting on animal welfare has evolved from non-existent to widespread in a decade — but quality varies enormously. The best reports include species-specific welfare metrics, third-party audit data, time-bound improvement commitments, and progress against previous targets. The worst reports use vague language about care and commitment without measurable outcomes. Investors using ESG criteria should prioritise BBFAW rankings, Tier 1 or 2 status from welfare benchmarking organisations, and specific commitments on cage-free eggs, group sow housing, and broiler welfare standards.