News pigs
Resistance to new demands from Lidl Germany
Supermarket chain Lidl has announced that by 2025, not only 50% of its fresh meat supply in Germany, but also half of its sausages must meet the third level of the German Tierwohl standard. The question is whether enough pig farmers are prepared to switch. Slaughterhouses fear increasing shortages.
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The Tierwohl concept can be roughly compared to the one-star Better Life quality mark from the Animal Protection Society. Currently, 30% of the sausage sold by Lidl meets the concept's standards.
Discounters are taking the lead
At the end of February, Lidl announced a similar target for fresh meat. At that time, 33% of the fresh meat supply already met the standard. 2024% must comply with this by the end of 40.
In Germany, the large discounters are taking a lead in the field of animal welfare. In addition to Lidl, major competitor Aldi has planned to completely switch to the third or fourth level of the Tierwohl concept by 2030.
Industry not ready
In Germany, however, the sector does not seem ready to switch yet. In German agricultural media it can be read that not enough farmers are willing to participate in the concept. In addition, there is fear of even greater shortages. The pig market has been tight for years and the switch will almost certainly be accompanied by a decline. In the Netherlands one transfer to a minimum standard of one star Better Life in the poultry meat sector, for example, for a decrease of 40% of the poultry flock.