Welfare Science

Animal Welfare in Retail and Supermarkets

Supermarkets and food retailers are powerful actors in farm animal welfare, with procurement policies, labelling, and category management determining welfare standards across vast supply chains.

Key Facts

UK supermarkets collectively influence farm animal welfare for hundreds of millions of animals
BBFAW benchmark ranks supermarkets on welfare governance and commitment implementation
Own brand product welfare standards vary significantly between retailers
Promotional activity can support or undermine higher welfare product sales
Consumer complaints and campaigns have driven welfare commitments from major retailers

Welfare Considerations

Retail welfare influence makes supermarkets high-leverage targets for welfare advocacy. BBFAW ranking creates reputational incentives for welfare improvement. Consumer engagement including complaints, compliments, and product choices sends market signals. Supporting retailers with better welfare records creates competitive incentives.

What You Can Do

Check your supermarket's BBFAW welfare ranking and reward higher-performing retailers
Write to supermarkets about their animal welfare commitments to demonstrate consumer interest
Choose higher welfare products particularly for the highest-volume animal product categories