MANILA, Philippines — A growing movement among Filipino restaurants is reshaping the way eggs are sourced. According to a 2024 report by Lever Foundation, 69% of chain restaurants in the Philippines have committed to sourcing only cage-free eggs. This monumental shift impacts nearly 9,000 restaurant locations nationwide, with big names like Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Angel’s Pizza leading the charge.
The Lever Foundation’s “2024 Philippines Restaurant Industry Cage-Free Egg Scorecard” highlights the ethical transformation in the restaurant industry. Out of 66 evaluated restaurant brands, 62% have public timelines for transitioning to cage-free eggs. Brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Highlands Coffee, and Mimi & Bros. are making bold moves. Even international players such as Burger King, KFC, Shake Shack, and Krispy Kreme have joined the trend, proving this is more than just a local shift—it’s global.
Why the change? Filipino consumers are driving this transformation. Research by GMO Research shows that 83% of Filipinos prefer cage-free eggs, signaling an undeniable demand for ethical food choices. Responding to this, the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards began developing a national Code of Practice for Cage-Free Egg Production in 2020. This regulation supports a growing sector dedicated to animal welfare and food safety.
Despite this progress, some well-known brands, including Bo’s Coffee, Tokyo Tokyo, and Mary Grace, haven’t committed to cage-free eggs yet. Advocates urge these businesses to align with the ethical shift already embraced by industry leaders.
Adopting cage-free eggs isn’t just about animal welfare. Studies from the European Food Safety Authority reveal that cage-free farms are significantly less prone to salmonella contamination. Countries like the UK, Canada, and parts of the U.S. have banned battery cages entirely.
“Switching to cage-free eggs shows a commitment to sustainability and humane practices,” said Robyn Del Rosario, Sustainability Program Manager at Lever Foundation. “This is a win for both consumers and businesses.”
With consumer awareness on the rise, the Philippines is paving the way for a more ethical and sustainable restaurant industry.
