The Philippines has emerged as a leading force in Southeast Asia’s transition to cage-free egg sourcing, with Lever Foundation’s strategic partnerships driving progress across the restaurant and food industry. Recent developments showcase how targeted engagement and collaborative approaches are shifting the country’s food system toward more sustainable practices.
In a landmark development, Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), Asia’s second-largest restaurant group, has committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs globally by 2035. This transformative commitment encompasses over 6,300 restaurants worldwide, including beloved brands like Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Red Ribbon, Chowking, and Greenwich.
The momentum extends beyond major corporations, with regional players implementing meaningful policies. Cebu-based Abaca Group has pledged to transition its 46 locations to cage-free eggs by 2027, while Am-Phil Group, operating premium brands like Chili’s and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, aims to eliminate battery cages by 2025. Nanyang, a popular restaurant chain, is leading with an accelerated timeline, targeting complete cage-free adoption across its 15 outlets by the end of 2024.
The sweet side of the industry is also making changes. Manila’s beloved Cupcakes by Sonja is incorporating better sourcing into every recipe with their pledge to go cage-free by 2025. They’re joined by Croquembouche Factory and Lifestyle Gourmet, who are also committing to cage-free ingredients in their menu offerings.
The egg industry is responding to this shifting landscape with remarkable adaptability. Bounty Fresh, a major producer, has demonstrated substantial progress, increasing its cage-free production from 1% in 2020 to 8% by the end of 2023, with ambitious plans to reach 15-20% by 2025. Robina Farms joined the transition in 2022, projecting a 4% increase in cage-free production by the end of 2024.
Lever Foundation’s comprehensive 2024 Philippines Restaurant Industry Cage-Free Egg Scorecard reveals the scale of this transformation, with 62% of mid to large-sized restaurant chains having established timelines for eliminating caged eggs. These commitments represent nearly 9,000 locations, covering approximately two-thirds of all chain restaurants nationwide. An additional 13% of restaurant locations are actively working with Lever Foundation to develop similar policies.
These developments represent more than just corporate commitments – they signal a fundamental shift in how the Philippines’ food industry approaches animal welfare and sustainable practices, with impacts reaching far beyond restaurant kitchens to influence producer practices and consumer awareness.
