Brakes introduces enhanced welfare standard for fresh chicken

Brakes, the UK’s leading foodservice wholesaler, has announced that it has become the first major wholesaler to introduce enhanced welfare standards for its own brand fresh primary chicken range.

The move, which was completed in January 2025, provides chicken with 20% more space to move around and perch, allowing them to express more natural behaviours. In addition, the birds now have more access to enrichments including straw bales, perching areas, items to peck at and more natural light.

Brakes currently sells more than 40 own brand fresh British chicken lines, all of which are produced in the UK under the Red Tractor scheme and will now be grown to the new standards, which reduce the stocking density from the industry standard 38kg/m to 30kg/m.

Paul Nieduszynski, CEO of Sysco GB, said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of our move to enhanced welfare chicken. The improvements we’ve introduced are a significant step forward, helping to set a new benchmark for bird welfare in our sector.

“We know that our customers and consumers care deeply about animal welfare, so we are pleased to be leading the wholesale sector in this area.”   

At the same time as introducing the new standards, Brakes has worked with its suppliers to introduce an internal camera monitoring system on broiler chicken farms, which operates 24/7 and helps to ensure that the highest standards are maintained at all times.