LAS ROZAS, SPAIN – DIA Group, a retail grocery store chain based in Spain, announced on April 14 that it expanded its commitment to only sell cage-free eggs throughout its 5,700 stores, which are in Spain, Argentina, Brazil and Portugal, by 2028. The company’s DIA branded stores, and its locations in Portugal where it operates under the Minipreco banner, is the fourth-largest food franchiser in Europe and Spain’s largest. With approximately 2,600 of its stores operated as franchises, DIA had previously committed to the cage-free initiative by 2028 for locations in Spain, Argentina and Brazil, and has now expanded that commitment to include stores in Portugal and to stores in other global markets it may expand to in the future. DIA is the latest global supermarket chain to make a pledge to commit to a timeline to source only cage-free eggs. Other retailers include Tesco, Costco, Marks&Spencer, Aldi, Metro and LIDL.

 “This commitment will materialize in Spain and Portugal by the end of 2025, and in Argentina and Brazil by the end of 2028,” DIA said in its policy that was recently updated, adding that the company is currently working with its suppliers systemwide to meet the goal.

“We congratulate DIA Group on its new global cage-free egg policy, which will further improve animal welfare in the company’s supply chain,” said Kirsty Tuxford, corporate engagement manager at Lever Foundation, a non-governmental organization with a mission of working with food companies to create a food supply chain that is humane, safe and sustainable. “By setting a timeline to source only cage-free eggs in all of its stores globally, DIA Group is demonstrating its dedication to ethical and sustainable business practices,” she said.