Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (DNKN) announced, in partnership with Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), that 10% of all eggs used for its breakfast sandwiches in the U.S. will be cage-free by the end of 2016. Additionally, the company announced that it will only use gestation crate-free pork in the U.S. by 2022. Notably, Dunkin’ Donuts already uses cage-free eggs for 5% of its domestic needs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) articulates that cage-free hens are never kept in cages. Gestation crate-free pork applies to pork sourced from those suppliers who do not keep the animal in a metal enclosure.
On a long-term basis, the company intends to monitor its international supply chain to determine the viability of offering 100% cage-free eggs globally and, based on this evaluation, set a global target to achieve this objective. Dunkin' Brands is currently working with its suppliers and the HSUS to revise the animal welfare policy and meet its targets.
The company’s initiatives are consistent with the growing awareness for healthy diet among consumers. Further, it is part of a broader trend in the restaurant industry to explain how the raw materials they use in the food is sourced, in response to consumers’ increased interest in learning more about what they are eating.
Health consciousness is increasing among the masses and Americans are gradually refraining from food with higher calories, fat and sugars but low on vitamins, minerals and other micro-nutrients. Therefore, food companies are increasingly changing their priorities to focus more on “good for you” products. For example, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.’s (CMG) “Food with Integrity” campaign promotes that its meat is raised without hormones and antibiotics and mostly local and organic produce is used.
In May, last year, McDonald's Corp. (MCD) listed its new sustainability goals for 2020 per the rules of Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef – an organization to advance continuous improvement in sustainability of beef served globally. The fast-food giant outlined the global criteria for sustainable beef production and announced plans to purchase verified sustainable beef by 2016. Additionally, McDonald's intends to align its business to make it more environment-friendly.
Further, in Dec 2014, Panera Bread Company (PNRA) offered the details regarding its comprehensive Food Policy, introduced in June the same year, regarding its shift to healthier food alternatives. The company’s latest Food Policy details include the removal of additives from its ingredients.
Dunkin’ currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
(We are reissuing this article to correct a mistake. The original article, issued yesterday, March 31, 2015, contains an inaccuracy and should no longer be relied upon.)
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