Cranswick has been awarded the highest performance ranking of Tier One in the global Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW) for the third consecutive year.
The benchmark, supported by Compassion in World Farming and World Animal Protection, placed four UK companies – Cranswick, Noble Foods, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose – plus the Co-op Group (Switzerland) in the top tier, representing ‘global leaders’ in animal welfare. There are six tiers altogether covering 150 global food chain companies, which have been assessed for their welfare credentials.
Now in its seventh year, the Benchmark looks at opportunities, risks, management and reporting on farm animal welfare. The BBFAW said: “Cranswick’s continued and steadfast commitment to animal welfare across its multitude of sites, supply chain and general operations is a great example of what animal welfare standards it is possible for producers and suppliers to reach not just in the UK, but globally.”
The Hull-based processor said animal welfare was extremely important to it and its stakeholders, which all recognise the benefits of investing in welfare standards.
Its chief executive Adam Couch said “We are delighted to be awarded the Tier One ranking from BBFAW for a third consecutive year – a testament to our long term commitment to this issue. Farm animal welfare is a cause that is close to our and our customers’ hearts and therefore we have made it a priority for our business with an unstinting focus on driving up standards. Being recognised as a global leader in animal welfare is a tribute to the ongoing commitment and dedication of our technical and agricultural teams.”
Growing consumer awareness of and concerns over food-related issues including animal welfare and supply chain integrity are set to disrupt the food industry according to Cranswick’s Radical Transparency report published last year.
UK retailers Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Greggs retained their Tier 2 position, alongside Cargill, Unilever and Perdue Farms, while Danish Crown dropped into the third tier.
UK companies achieved a significantly higher overall average score (61%) in the 2018 report, compared with other parts of the world, including North America (28%) and Europe, excluding the UK, (34%).