METRONEWS
© New Zealand Broadcasting School 2024

Countdown commits to 100% cage-egg free by 2025

Eggs

Countdown’s decision to remove cage-laid eggs from its shelves has been met with mixed opinion.

The supermarket chain has announced a plan to phase out cage eggs in the North Island by 2024 and in the South Island by 2025.

"Customer demand for free range and barn eggs has increased by 50 per cent in the last two years," said James Walker, Countdown's general manager of corporate affairs. 

FRENZ chief executive Rob Darby said he was delighted with the decision, describing it as great news for free range famers.

"Our business has been expanding by 30% over the last few years so it's come at a great time for us and we're happy to continue working with Countdown and expanding with the demand."

A free range egg producer, who did not want to be named, said although removing cage eggs was a step in the right direction, it was just a switch to barn-laid eggs.

She said while conditions for barn-laid hens were somewhat better they were often just as bad as caged.

"I hope consumers realise this and continue to put pressure on supermarket chains to stop supporting these conditions."

But what does it all mean for consumers?

While many Kiwis are thrilled that Countdown has initiated a change and hope other chains follow suit, many people are also concerned the price of eggs may no longer be affordable. 

So what do people think?