Now in its seventh year, the BBFAW – backed by Compassion in World Farming and World Animal Protection – looks at opportunities, risks, management and reporting on farm animal welfare in food businesses and ranks them from tier 1 (best) to tier 6 (worst). Other top-ranking food companies in this year’s report included Marks & Spencer, Nobles Foods and Waitrose.
Commenting on Cranswick’s recognition by the benchmark, chief executive Adam Couch said “We are delighted to be awarded the tier 1 ranking from BBFAW for a third consecutive year – a testament to our long-term commitment to this issue.
‘Driving up standards’
“Farm animal welfare is a cause that is close to our and our customers’ hearts, and therefore we have made it a priority for our business, with an unstinting focus on driving up standards. Being recognised as a global leader in animal welfare is a tribute to the ongoing commitment and dedication of our technical and agricultural teams.”
Cranswick is the only food manufacturer to achieve a tier 1 ‘leadership’ ranking for three years in a row, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable meat production.
The BBFAW added: “Cranswick’s continued and steadfast commitment to animal welfare across its multitude of sites, supply chain and general operations is a great example of what animal welfare standards it is possible for producers and suppliers to reach – not just in the UK, but globally.”
No animal welfare agenda
Bottom of the barrel in this year’s report was global confectionery and snacks giant Mars. The business was ranked tier 6 by the BBFAW, after demonstrating no evidence of an animal welfare agenda.
Faring slightly better in tier 5 was online retailer Amazon, owner of Whole Foods, alongside US firms Campbell’s soup and Hershey.
Steve McIvor, World Animal Protection chief executive, said: “Food producers, supermarkets and restaurant chains can no longer afford to ignore animal welfare.
“Consumers now have more information at their fingertips and are showing they increasingly care about the welfare of animals when they are deciding where to shop and eat.”
