Higher animal welfare
With no global common standard on animal welfare available, and standards varying across species and regions, we have been working with Compassion in World Farming – the leading international farm animal welfare charity – for two years to develop global criteria for good animal welfare and a framework to start transforming our supply chain. Our ambition is to reach what Compassion defines as ‘Level 3’/ higher animal welfare, covering detailed requirements such as adequate space, light, climate and enrichment for all animals.
The comprehensive set of criteria behind our plan caters to the specific welfare needs of different species such as chickens, cows and pigs. We have worked with independent external experts to assess current practices and, with the help of Compassion, have started engaging supplier partners on improvements needed to bring consistent and positive change across our supply chain.
Transformational change requires partners
David Pendlington, Procurement Director, Sustainable Sourcing, says: “We are delighted that our commitment to embark on a journey to advance animal welfare at a global scale is being honoured with this Special Recognition Award. It has been a complex process to create a plan this ambitious and we are still at the start of this challenging journey. We are now at a crucial stage where we appeal to the industry for partners to join us and build momentum to achieve the transformational change we all want to see.”
Complementing Knorr’s sustainable agriculture commitment
As part of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, Knorr is already committed to sourcing 100% of its agricultural ingredients from sustainable sources by 2020, because the brand believes this benefits the quality and taste of its products, the livelihoods of farmers and the future of the planet. By the end of 2014, 95% of the top 13 vegetables and herbs used in our soups, sauces and seasonings were being purchased from sustainable sources, and this commitment to animal welfare seeks to bring a similar change to our meat ingredients.
Outstanding leadership
Dr Tracey Jones, Director of Food Business at Compassion in World Farming, says: “The Special Recognition Award recognises outstanding innovation, leadership, commitment or achievement with regard to farm animal welfare through work in which Compassion has been integrally involved. The Knorr team has worked tirelessly over the past two years to investigate supply chain solutions and develop global welfare criteria for chicken, beef and pork. Knorr should be justly proud to be the first recipient of this special award.”