A new world in the chicken industry: the rise of the European Chicken Commitment

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 11. 12. 11:07

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The tightening of animal welfare requirements in the European chicken industry is receiving more and more attention, thanks to the European Chicken Commitment (ECC) standard, which started as a civil initiative but is now supported by global companies. The proposals made in the framework of the ECC would significantly increase the production costs of chicken – by up to 37.5%, according to estimates – and would require major investments from the players in the sector. It seems that from 2026, a new era could really begin in the industry, as big companies such as IKEA, Unilever, Nestlé and Burger King have joined the initiative.

A sector standard from a civil initiative

The European Chicken Commitment was originally created as a proposal by animal welfare NGOs, and its purpose was to improve the living conditions of broiler chickens. The first scientifically supported proposals were published in 2017, and tens of NGOs have joined since then. The ECC officially continues its work under the name Better Chicken Commitment, and a number of global companies have already committed to complying with the standards, taking on higher production costs and managing increased environmental burdens.

Consumer expectations dictate change

Companies joining the initiative – fast food chains, food industry giants and accommodation providers – commit to raw materials that are more expensive but better meet consumer expectations in terms of animal welfare. The example of the ECC clearly shows that, as a result of the civil movements, the industry is also increasingly willing to change and even to undertake the tightening of sector standards for the sake of a more sustainable and ethical food system.