Humane Society International in Thailand celebrates Zen Corporation Group for its commitment to use eggs from cage-free hens by 2028. With 11 restaurant brands and more than 240 outlets, Zen Corporation Group has become Thailand's largest restaurant group to join the global cage-free movement. In 2024, the group already reached the 80% mark of its egg supply coming from cage-free hens, demonstrating its commitment to improving the lives of thousands of hens. By the 2028 deadline, all eggs used across Zen Corporation Group's restaurants will come from hens kept in cage-free systems where they can engage in natural behaviors like perching and nesting.
This commitment is the result of close collaboration with Humane Society International, which began in 2023. HSI worked with Zen Corporation Group by providing expert guidance, facilitating key connections with local suppliers, organizing cage-free farm site visits, providing team training on the benefits of cage-free systems, and many other full supports on any related aspects of cage-free eggs policy.
In Thailand, where most of?the country's 95.8 million egg-laying hens are confined to tiny wire cages, Zen Corporation Group's decision signals a major shift in the industry. By adopting a cage-free procurement policy, Zen Corporation Group is taking a critical step to reduce suffering and drive a change in the market. In a cage-free environment, hens can move more freely, perch, nest, and dustbathe, leading to significantly improved welfare and better lives.
"The group has been driven by strong passion of professional and expertise to develop creative menu and unique dining experience with love not only to the customers but every life related to us. Responsible consumption in our supply chain involving animal welfare is an essential element for our corporate social responsibility goals and sustainable development. Thus, cage-free eggs are one of the main programs we would like to move forward to successful implementation soon. This action is one of our goals to support local producers for sustainable business", said Miss. Jomkwan Chirathivat, General Manager, Sustainable Development of Zen Corporation Group.
"Zen Corporation Group's leadership will have a lasting impact on both the welfare of animals and the expectations of consumers in Thailand. As one of the largest Thai companies to adopt a cage-free policy, the team has dedicated time, shown the will and worked diligently to begin implementing these higher welfare standards. Thanks to their hard work, countless hens will have the space to spread their wings and a better life", said Lalada Tangjerdjaras, Thailand Program Manager, Farm Animal Welfare and Protection for Humane Society International.
Zen Corporation Group's commitment is part of a national and global trend moving away from keeping hens in cages in egg production. It joins nearly 80 other national and multinational companies in Thailand such as AccorHotels, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Sodexo, Nestle and Mondel?z International that are all committed to only supplying cage-free eggs.?As consumer demand for more ethical and sustainable food options increases, companies like Zen Corporation Group are leading the charge for positive change.
Source: Humane Society International