Ingles Markets, Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMKTA) today announced it will
support the industry-wide transition to cage-free hen housing by
shifting its own egg sales to cage-free, joining a growing list
retailers, restaurants, food manufacturers and egg producers that have
announced similar plans.
Under the company’s new plan, Ingles’ goal is to have 100% of both the
shell and liquid eggs it sells come from cage-free hens by 2025.
“Ingles supports the industry’s cage-free trajectory, and looks forward
to working with our suppliers to achieve a cage-free supply chain,” said
Ron Freeman, Ingles’ Chief Financial Officer. “This shift represents a
natural part of Ingles’
ongoing work to ensure animals in our supply chain are provided with
the ‘Five Freedoms’ of animal welfare, including the ability to engage
in their natural behaviors.”
The Humane Society of the United States supports Ingles’ move.
“We applaud Ingles for addressing this important animal welfare issue,”
said Matthew Prescott, senior food policy director for The Humane
Society of the United States. “This commitment to offer products that
come at a value and align with consumers’ values is a positive move for
animals and customers alike.”
About Ingles Markets, Incorporated
Ingles Markets, Incorporated is a leading supermarket chain with
operations in six southeastern states. Headquartered in Asheville, North
Carolina, the Company operates 202 supermarkets. In conjunction with its
supermarket operations, the Company operates neighborhood shopping
centers, most of which contain an Ingles supermarket. The Company also
owns a fluid dairy facility that supplies Company supermarkets and
unaffiliated customers. The Company’s Class A Common Stock is traded on
The NASDAQ Stock Market’s Global Select Market under the symbol IMKTA.
For more information, visit Ingles’ website at www.ingles-markets.com.
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