Orkla Foods Norge plans shift to free-range eggs in its products

Orkla Foods Norge has pledged to use only eggs from free-range hens in its products by 2020 as it hopes to boost its sustainable credentials.

The decision has been taken in cooperation with Nortura, the company’s main supplier of eggs.

Nortura has set a goal of achieving almost 100% cage-free production by 2024, and in the period prior to that date, its producers will gradually convert from cages to free-range production.

Orkla Foods Norge’s decision is aligned with Orkla’s strategy for sustainable sourcing and animal welfare.

Earlier this year Orkla announced it would reduce its food waste by 50%, increase its resource recovery and ensure that the packaging used for its products is 100% recyclable by 2025.

Paul Jordahl, Orkla Foods Norge CEO, said: “For us at Orkla Foods Norge, it’s a question of making sure that our branded consumer goods are produced with care for people, animals and the environment and that we contribute to a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

“Switching to using eggs from free-range hens is a step on the road to becoming a more sustainable company, and ensuring good animal welfare is one aspect of this process.”

Orkla Foods Norge uses over 35 million eggs as ingredients in more than 130 products ranging from dressings, soups and sauces to an assortment of bakery products.

Johanne Kjuus, head of sustainability at Orkla Foods Norge, said: “As Nortura’s biggest customer, we were given a chance to be one of the first food manufacturers to use cage-free eggs in Norway, and the time frame gives the farmers time to adapt.

“The decision also has the positive consequence that we will primarily be using eggs produced in Norway, and as a company we consider it important to use Norwegian raw materials.”