CVS and Walgreens completed their transitions toward sourcing 100% cage-free eggs, the chains announced in separate statements.
Both chains earlier targeted January 1, 2025, as their target date to complete the transition, but efforts to speed up the transition were announced by both companies in 2022. Those efforts were successful.
CVS operates 9,900 stores in the United States, while Walgreens operates 8,886.
Walgreens statement
Walgreens issued the following statement on December 28, 2022: “In 2016, Walgreens committed to providing 100 percent cage-free shell and liquid eggs in stores across the U.S. by 2025. Through a dedicated commitment to advancing conversations with suppliers, Walgreens accelerated its progress and has met its target, two full years ahead of our original commitment.
“We recognize customers' preferences are changing with improved access to sustainable and ethically sourced products in local communities. Walgreens cage-free eggs are available at all stores where eggs are carried.”
CVS statement
CVS issued the following statement: “CVS Health is committed to the ethical treatment of animals as part of our corporate social responsibility. While there is still work to be done across the industry to increase supply and address market conditions, we are committed to working with our suppliers, given our relatively small egg business, toward a goal of a 100% cage-free egg offering by 2025.
“We have achieved this goal ahead of schedule, as effective December 31, 2022, 100% of eggs offered in our stores are cage-free. “
The Humane League responds
The Humane League, an animal rights organization that communicated with both chains through the transition praised the companies for fulfilling their pledges early.
“These accelerated cage-free fulfillments by Walgreens and CVS are precedent-setting for the retail industry and prove there’s no reason other companies can’t, at the very least, meet their 2025 commitments to go cage-free,” said Tim Sage, corporate relations specialist at The Humane League.
