BOISE, Idaho – Albertsons Companies announced this week that it will be working with its suppliers toward a goal of sourcing only cage-free eggs for its store operations by 2025, based on available supply. The company, among the first and largest in the conventional retail grocery sector to make such a commitment, is making the move not only as part of its ongoing commitment to animal welfare, but also in response to customer buying habits.

“We take our commitment to providing responsibly sourced products seriously, and that responsibility extends naturally into ensuring our suppliers uphold humane animal welfare practices,” said Shane Sampson, chief marketing and merchandising officer, in a press release. “The transition to cage-free eggs will help us continue to provide a great, humane product to our customers while ensuring that our suppliers have ample time to prepare their operations to meet increased demand from retailers.”

Albertsons Companies sources product for more than 2,200 stores from reputable vendors who have a track record for treating animals in the food production system humanely. Other retailers, restaurants and manufacturers making the switch to cage-free include Dunkin’ Donuts, General Mills, McDonald’s, Mondelez International, Nestlé, Subway, Taco Bell and Wendy’s.