Aldi Süd Leads German Retail on Chicken Welfare as Nestlé and Rügenwalder Mühle Withdraw Commitments

The Albert Schweitzer Foundation's 2026 Broiler Chicken Report reveals that Aldi Süd leads German retail in implementing higher animal welfare standards for chickens, achieving a score of 54%. Among 64 assessed companies, only three fully meet the European Chicken Commitment criteria. Although 70% of companies have pledged to the initiative, their average progress hovers around a mere 20%, with numerous firms extending their deadlines to 2030. The report highlights the urgent need for companies to adopt healthier, slower-growing chicken breeds, as many welfare improvements remain only partially implemented.

In the food manufacturing sector, Dr. Oetker scored highest at 88%, while Nestlé and Rügenwalder Mühle notably withdrew their commitments, resulting in a 0% rating. Additionally, while some restaurant chains comply with higher welfare standards, major players like Burger King and McDonald's have yet to make significant commitments. The foundation emphasizes the necessity of long-term planning and fair distribution of costs across the supply chain to enhance animal welfare standards effectively.