Recommendations and next steps

Based on the data reported by these selected companies in the APAC region —excluding those that had already achieved 100% implementation in prior years and those that did not report data last year — there has been notable progress in cage-free implementation. The average percentage point difference in progress between 2023 and 2024 is approximately 9.9 percentage points. This metric reflects the absolute increase or decrease in implementation rates compared to the previous year.

When considering Year-on-Year (YoY) proportional growth, the average increase across reporting companies is 73.6%. This calculation highlights the relative progress made by some companies, especially those starting from lower baselines. These figures underline the varying levels of progress and challenges across the region. While several companies demonstrated strong proportional growth, others saw setbacks or slower progress.

The dataset reflects both the successes of companies actively transitioning to cage-free systems and the need for continued momentum to meet regional and global targets. While this demonstrates positive strides toward meeting cage-free commitments, much work remains to be done. The overall pace of transition varies significantly among companies, with some still facing challenges in achieving consistent progress across their operations. Continued collaboration, transparency, and strategic initiatives will be critical to accelerating this transition.

Companies should develop robust policies for cage-free commitments, incorporating clear timelines, both regional and global targets, and metrics for tracking progress. Transparent reporting practices are critical and should include annual updates, regional breakdowns, and clear progress indicators. Companies adopting cage-free credits are encouraged to report both the physical percentage of cage-free eggs and the use of cage-free credits. Additionally, they should have a clear strategy to ensure that reliance on credits decreases year-over-year as cage-free eggs become more widely available. Reporting clearly and consistently sends a strong market signal of a company’s commitment and interest in driving change, fostering accountability and encouraging progress across the supply chain.

In addition to clear reporting, companies should invest time in proactive strategic thinking about the implementation of their commitments. Given the low overall levels of current implementation in the APAC region, it is critical to boost conversion by supporting producers in taking steps toward cage-free systems. Providing guidance, resources, and collaboration opportunities can make this transition more achievable and impactful.

Global companies that have successfully transitioned to cage-free systems in other parts of the world must extend their commitments to regions like APAC, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. The welfare of animals in these regions is no less important than in Europe or the US and deserves equal attention. Moreover, these regions account for the majority of land animal production worldwide, reinforcing the urgency of initiatives that drive systemic change and reshape the production landscape.

In our 2023 Global EggTrack report, we highlighted 36 global companies that lacked overarching cage-free commitments. While we have not included a detailed assessment of these companies in this year’s EggTrack regional Spotlights, the importance of such commitments remains paramount. Establishing clear, comprehensive goals is essential to aligning with industry expectations, driving systemic change, and ensuring progress in regions where cage-free production still faces significant challenges. These global commitments not only signal leadership and ambition but also play a crucial role in shaping the market and fostering accountability across supply chains worldwide.

Compassion is dedicated to supporting companies on their journey toward improved animal welfare. Our efforts in 2025 will focus on fostering knowledge-sharing and supporting the implementation of initiatives aimed at leveraging collective buying power, bringing stakeholders together, and enabling smooth transitions to cage-free systems. These activities will include providing insights into crafting effective policies, transitioning to higher welfare production, and fostering collaboration across supply chains.

We aim to help companies meet their commitments while driving meaningful progress for animal welfare across the APAC region. For additional support, explore resources like our recently launched Business Case for Cage-Free Systems, which highlights the tangible benefits of prioritizing animal welfare. For more information about how our Food Business programme can support your initiatives and help place farm animal welfare at the center of a future-fit food system, contact us.