Concerns over animal welfare, food safety, and consumer preferences are reshaping egg sourcing in the Philippines. A growing number of retailers are expanding cage-free options and setting timelines to phase out caged eggs. Research suggests cage-free systems, when well managed, can reduce the risk of Salmonella contamination compared with conventional cages.
The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) introduced animal welfare guidelines for cage-free production in 2020, signaling government recognition of the issue. This regulatory framework has encouraged retailers to adopt more humane sourcing policies.
Chains show steady progress
The 2026 Philippine Retailer Industry Cage-Free Egg Progress Report, released by Lever Foundation, evaluated 23 major retail brands. Three chains—Heyday, Healthy Options, and FreshStart—have already completed a full transition to cage-free eggs. MetroMart, an e-commerce pioneer, has reached 90% cage-free sourcing.
Other retailers are steadily advancing. EveGrocer has expanded cage-free offerings to 50%, pledging full transition by 2028. Metro Retail, with more than 70 stores nationwide, has achieved 26% cage-free sourcing and committed to 100% by 2033. SM Retail brands, including Walter Mart and SM Supermarket, have shifted 20–40% of their egg stock keeping units to cage-free.
Gaps remain in commitments
Despite progress, several major retailers—including Unimart, Cash&Carry, Landers, S&R, Puregold, and Robinsons Easymart—have yet to set timelines for ending caged egg sales. The report assessed retailers based on both current cage-free sourcing levels and policy commitments.
Encouragingly, the retail sector’s movement mirrors broader industry trends. Nearly 80% of restaurant chains and 85% of hotel groups in the Philippines have already set timelines to phase out caged eggs. Lever Foundation emphasized that cage-free sourcing is becoming a baseline expectation among consumers and a competitive standard in the market.
Path ahead for cage-free adoption
Momentum is building, but challenges remain in scaling cage-free production and ensuring affordability for consumers. Collaboration between retailers, government agencies, and advocacy groups will be critical to sustaining progress. As more brands commit to timelines, cage-free eggs are poised to become more mainstream in Philippine retail.