Classic Hostess brands agree to use cage-free eggs after Green Century engagement.
(BOSTON) J. M. Smucker Co. announced that its Hostess brand, which includes iconic snack products like Twinkies, Snowballs and CupCakes, will be switching completely to direct purchases of cage-free eggs by 2028. J. M. Smucker achieved a 100% cage-free egg supply before acquiring the Hostess brand in 2023. Hostess previously did not use cage-free eggs.
J. M. Smucker Co made the commitment after signing an agreement with Green Century.
“Bringing cage-free eggs to an iconic American brand like Hostess means happier hens and healthier snacks,” said Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century. “We admire Smucker’s commitment, proving that big brands play a key role in building a more ethical food industry.”
Smucker’s provided a glidepath towards reaching its cage-free egg goal and will transparently report on its progress annually in its sustainability report.
Green Century’s advocacy promotes animal welfare
Green Century has taken a leading role in promoting animal welfare at major brands advocating for healthy and humane conditions for animals. Carl Icahn nominated Samuelrich in 2022 for the board of McDonald’s after the company backed away from its gestation crate-free pork pledge. Green Century also recently filed a shareholder resolution at Darden, parent company of Olive Garden, asking the company to commit to removing gestation crates from its supply chain.
“Growing visibility into supply chains means that animal welfare can no longer be ‘out of sight, out of mind’,” said Douglass Guernsey, shareholder advocate. “Consumers will continue to learn about – and demand – better treatment for animals in agriculture.”