As of March 2025, 82% of the UK egg industry had already shifted to cage-free production, highlighting significant progress and aligning with public expectations.
Across Europe, legislative momentum has also been building. Austria has banned enriched cages since 2020, with Germany, the Czech Republic and France all introducing similar bans between 2026 and 2028.
A More in Common poll commissioned by Compassion in World Farming in September 2024 found that 75% of Britons view the use of cages as cruel and 67% are willing to pay more for cage-free eggs.
Tracey Jones, global director of food business at Compassion in World Farming, said: “The UK is at a tipping point for cage-free eggs. With a growing number of companies already meeting their commitments and a significant percentage of supply already cage-free, there is no excuse for delay.
“Companies have had ample time to prepare, and with the 2025 deadline fast approaching, they must act decisively now to honour their commitments—particularly when it comes to shell eggs.”