Discounter Aldi has announced that it now sources more than 40% of its fresh milk in Germany from farms that are more 'animal friendly' and adhere to husbandry type 3 (outdoor climate) and 4 (organic/premium).
The achievement marks 'an important milestone' for the retailer as it achieved its target a year earlier than planned.
In the fresh meat category, products from higher husbandry systems now account for almost 20% of sales, Aldi noted.
In November of this year, Aldi Süd achieved a sales share of more than 25% from husbandry types 3 and 4 on a weekly basis for its fresh meat range for the first time.
Dr Julia Adou, director of corporate responsibility at Aldi Süd, stated, "With the change of attitude, Aldi has set itself ambitious goals for more animal welfare. The fact that we have already reached the next milk milestone today shows us that we are on the right track and motivates us to continue along this path."
Katrin Beyer, business unit director for category management at Aldi Nord, added, "Despite the challenging external conditions, we continue to consistently focus on the expansion of higher forms of husbandry - both for fresh meat and for drinking milk.”
Animal Welfare Standards
Aldi plans to implement measures to improve animal welfare standards further in the area of fresh meat.
The company now sources conventional fresh pork according to the 5D principle, which means that every single step of the entire value chain from birth, rearing, fattening, slaughter to cutting/processing takes place in Germany.
Aldi Süd is offering fresh beef products from husbandry type 3, while Aldi's own animal-welfare brand Fair & Gut includes around ten items.
By 2030, Aldi plans to convert its entire own-brand fresh meat and drinking milk range to husbandry type 3 and 4.
© 2022 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest fresh-produce news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
