NestFresh Launches 'Humanely Hatched' Packaging
NestFresh, a frontrunner in ethical and humane egg farming since 1991, is unveiling its latest initiative, the
Humanely Hatched™ packaging. This groundbreaking initiative, set to hit the shelves in July 2025, emphasizes transparency and animal welfare, representing a significant shift in the egg farming industry.
Innovative Approach to Egg Production
The
Humanely Hatched™ program is an innovative consumer brand aimed exclusively at eggs from hens that have been selected prior to hatching through a cutting-edge technology called in-ovo sexing. This revolutionary process allows for the identification of chick genders at the embryonic stage, thereby eliminating the practice of hatching unwanted male chicks, which typically resulted in their euthanization shortly after.
According to Jasen Urena, Executive VP of NestFresh, this technological advancement is not just an adoption; it is a pioneering effort made by NestFresh to enhance ethical practices in egg production. He noted, “
Humanely Hatched™ represents years of collaboration and a commitment to ethical farming. We are proud to be the first to provide consumers with eggs from humanely selected hens, verified by Certified Humane®.”
Positive Impact on Animal Welfare
Humanely Hatched™ is accompanied by independent verification from
Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC), ensuring that NestFresh adheres to the highest standards in animal welfare. The initiative addresses a long-standing challenge in the egg production industry and is a step towards better treatment of farm animals throughout their lives. Mimi Stein, the Executive Director of HFAC, praised the new initiative, expressing optimism about its potential to foster kindness in farming practices.
A Sustainable Future
Beyond enhancing animal welfare, the new packaging aligns with NestFresh's broader sustainability goals. It utilizes recyclable materials and articulates the advancements in animal welfare on its cartons, making it easier for conscientious consumers to choose humane options. As consumer demand for humane food systems grows, the introduction of in-ovo sexing technology is viewed as a responsible response.
Representatives from
Agri Advanced Technologies (AAT), who developed the in-ovo sexing technology known as
Cheggy, emphasized their commitment to humane practices. Jörg Hurlin, Managing Director at AAT, remarked, “We are thrilled to partner with NestFresh to deliver a scalable, welfare-friendly solution that ensures chicks are humanely hatched without affecting hatchability or performance.”
Industry-Wide Milestone
The implementation of in-ovo sexing marks a historic milestone for the egg industry. Experts believe it could spare hundreds of millions of chicks from unnecessary suffering each year. Nancy Roulston from the
ASPCA Farm Animal Welfare commended NestFresh for promoting innovative, compassionate solutions in egg production, indicating that such advancements benefit not only animals but also provide better choices for consumers.
Commitment to Ethical Farming
NestFresh’s commitment to responsible farming practices has been evident since its inception, being one of the first brands to offer cage-free eggs. Today, the brand exclusively delivers Free Range and Pasture Raised eggs sourced from small family farms dedicated to animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Consumers can rest assured knowing that all NestFresh products are Certified Humane® and meet the highest welfare standards. The brand’s eggs are available nationwide at various retailers, including Harris Teeter and Whole Foods Market, ensuring that ethical choices are accessible to a broad audience.
For more information about NestFresh and its humane farming practices, consumers can visit
NestFresh's website.
Conclusion
With the launch of the
Humanely Hatched™ initiative, NestFresh continues to lead the way in ethical egg production and sets a precedent for other farmers to follow. The company’s bold steps towards transparency and animal welfare showcase a promising future in humane food systems for consumers and animals alike.