Happenings


Happenings

Comprehensive Report on the Press Conference: Cage-Free Revolution - June 25, 2022


Event Overview

The press conference titled “Cage-Free Revolution” was held on June 25, 2022, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Kuala Lumpur. The event celebrated a landmark commitment made by several small businesses to source 100% cage-free eggs by the year 2025. This initiative, which is a significant move towards ethical and sustainable sourcing in the food and hospitality industry, was organized by the Humane Society International (HSI) Malaysia, under the leadership of Dr. Saravanakumar S. Pillai, Senior Adviser for Farm Animal Welfare, Policy, and Engagement.

Key Participants

The event highlighted the involvement of several small but influential businesses that have taken up the challenge to shift to cage-free egg sourcing. These businesses represent a range of sectors within the Malaysian economy, demonstrating the growing influence of ethical sourcing across various industries. The participants included:


Event Highlights and Announcements

The press conference was an opportunity for these businesses to publicly announce their commitments to sourcing only cage-free eggs by 2025. This decision is part of a broader global movement towards humane and ethical treatment of farm animals, with the focus on eliminating the use of battery cages for egg-laying hens.

Key Points of Event



Each of the businesses involved in the press conference spoke about their reasons for joining the cage-free revolution. The representatives of Farm Café and Havelley KL highlighted their dedication to offering customers not only quality food but also ethically sourced ingredients. They emphasized that this shift to cage-free eggs is part of their broader strategy to support animal welfare and sustainability.

Ukiyo, the cage-free egg distribution company, played a crucial role in making this transition possible. By providing a reliable supply chain for cage-free eggs, Ukiyo helps small businesses uphold their ethical commitments. At the conference, Ukiyo representatives discussed the logistical challenges and successes in promoting cage-free eggs, ensuring that they are available across different regions in Malaysia.

Shop n Go’s participation in this initiative is particularly notable because it extends the reach of cage-free eggs beyond the restaurant and café industry. As a convenience store chain, Shop n Go serves a large, diverse customer base, bringing ethically sourced products into the everyday lives of consumers. This move illustrates that cage-free commitments are not limited to niche or high-end markets but can also be mainstreamed.

Premagreen, known for its efforts in sustainable agriculture, reiterated the importance of aligning animal welfare with environmental sustainability. The company’s involvement in the cage-free revolution shows that ethical animal treatment and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. Premagreen also outlined their plans to support other businesses in making sustainable choices in their supply chains.

The event was spearheaded by Dr. Saravanakumar S. Pillai, Senior Adviser for Farm Animal Welfare at HSI Malaysia. In his speech, Dr. Saravanakumar commended the businesses for their leadership and their role in setting a precedent for others in the industry. He highlighted the impact of the global cage-free movement and how it has gained momentum in Asia, particularly in Malaysia, with small businesses playing a critical role. He also discussed the broader implications for animal welfare and the significance of partnerships between businesses and non-profits like HSI to create meaningful change.

The Cage-Free Egg Movement: A Global Perspective

The cage-free movement has been growing globally, with increasing pressure on food suppliers and restaurants to adopt more humane practices. Battery cages, which severely restrict the movement of egg-laying hens, have been criticized by animal welfare organizations worldwide for their cruelty and negative impact on the birds’ well-being. Shifting to cage-free systems allows hens to engage in more natural behaviors, like walking, nesting, and stretching their wings.

Humane Society International has been at the forefront of this movement, working with businesses and governments around the world to phase out the use of battery cages. The commitment made by Malaysian businesses, as showcased at the event, is a significant step towards the global goal of improving farm animal welfare and creating more sustainable food systems.

Challenges and Future Prospects


  1. Supply Chain and Cost Issues
    One of the primary challenges discussed at the press conference was the potential impact on costs. Sourcing cage-free eggs can be more expensive than conventional eggs due to the additional space and resources needed to maintain humane farming systems. However, participants noted that consumer awareness and demand for ethically sourced products are on the rise, which could balance out any cost increases in the long term.

  2. Raising Consumer Awareness
    Another challenge highlighted was the need to educate consumers about the benefits of cage-free eggs. Businesses like Shop n Go and Havelley KL are taking steps to inform their customers about why they are making this transition and the positive impact it has on animal welfare and sustainability. HSI Malaysia, alongside the participating businesses, will continue to focus on advocacy and outreach to raise awareness among the wider population.

  3. Potential for Broader Industry Change
    The commitments made at the event signal a potential shift in the broader Malaysian food industry. With more businesses joining the cage-free movement, it is likely that larger companies and chains will follow suit. The participation of small businesses like Farm Café and Shop n Go sets an example for other local players, demonstrating that ethical sourcing is not only a moral responsibility but also a viable business strategy.

Conclusion

The Cage-Free Revolution press conference on June 25, 2022, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur marked an important milestone in the ethical sourcing movement within Malaysia’s food industry. The commitment by small businesses like Farm Café, Havelley KL, Shop n Go, Ukiyo, and Premagreen to source 100% cage-free eggs by 2025 demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of humane farming practices. Organized by Humane Society International and led by Dr. Saravanakumar S. Pillai, the event showcased the role of small businesses in driving change and supporting a more sustainable and ethical food system.

As Malaysia’s food industry continues to evolve, the leadership shown by these businesses is likely to inspire further action within the country, contributing to the global efforts towards better farm animal welfare and sustainable agriculture.