Tesco improves chicken welfare with £50m farming boost

Tesco has completed a major upgrade to animal welfare across its core fresh chicken range, offering birds 20 percent more space than the UK industry standard.

The change affects all of the retailer’s fresh British chicken and is backed by £50 million in annual support for farmers to implement the new measures.

All Tesco chickens will now be reared at a maximum stocking density of 30kg per square metre – significantly lower than the 38kg/m² threshold permitted under Red Tractor Farm Assured standards. This move places Tesco alongside a growing list of UK supermarkets, including Aldi and Sainsbury’s, that have adopted improved chicken welfare pledges in recent years.

Claire Lorains, Group Quality and Sustainability Director at Tesco said:

We are committed to continuously improving animal welfare and standards, while maintaining great value and quality for customers. We’ve worked closely with our British farmers to ensure all our core fresh chicken meets higher welfare standards, providing 20 percent more space than the industry norm.”

The supermarket chain has also reiterated its commitment to sourcing 100 percent of its fresh chicken from British farms. The initiative strengthens Tesco’s supply chain partnerships and supports domestic agriculture at a time when many farmers are under financial pressure.

Lorains added:

This commitment not only supports British agriculture but also significantly enhances welfare standards across the UK’s poultry industry. Customers can buy high-quality chicken, while still enjoying the same great value.”

To ensure chicken remains affordable, Tesco confirmed that its Aldi Price Match and Clubcard Prices will continue to apply to the enhanced welfare ranges.

Impact and importance

Tesco farmer Ben, who has supplied the supermarket for over 25 years, said the new measures have had a real impact on both animals and workers:

The recent change to reduce the stocking density of our chicken, providing them with more space, has made a big difference to the welfare of our chickens and the working environment of our dedicated farm team.

When you buy our chicken from Tesco, you’re supporting farms that treat their animals with respect and care. The extra space allows our chickens to be themselves, which means they’re healthier and our poultry is of the highest quality – all while supporting British farms like ours.”

Tesco’s announcement comes as a recent report warns that imports of lower-welfare animal products risk undermining UK standards, underscoring the importance of supporting home-grown, ethically produced meat.

The move also comes shortly after the release of Tesco’s Greenprint for UK Farming report, which outlines a series of recommendations for government and the industry to support UK farmers in transitioning to sustainable agriculture practices.