Convenience retailer Co-op says it will meet its 100% cage-free commitment across the continental meat range by the end of the year.

The move will see pigs used for sourcing products, including Prosciutto, Parma ham, Salami, Mortadella and Chorizo raised without confinement.

The business will achieve its cage-free commitment across its Spanish, German and Italian meat ranges.

Joseph Keating, Co-op senior agriculture manager, said: “Meeting our 100% cage-free commitment across our continental meat range is a significant step forward for Co-op and reflects our unwavering dedication to lead the way in improving animal welfare standards across our supply chains.

“Our long-term partnership with The Compleat Food Group has been instrumental in delivering these improvements, and together we’re proud to set a new benchmark for the industry.”

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The move marks the first time a convenience retailer in the UK has met a higher welfare standard across its full continental meat supply range in the UK.

As part of the new set of rules, farrowing crates and sow stalls will be banned in production across the retailer’s continental meat range.

This reinstates Co-op’s commitment to maintaining animal welfare, previously going cage-free across its fresh pork, bacon, sausage, gammon and ham ranges.

Tracey Jones, global director of the food business Compassion in World Farming, added: “We’re delighted the Co-op will meet its pledge to end the use of farrowing crates and sow stalls in its continental meat supply by year-end, fulfilling its 2025 commitment under Compassion’s Cage Free Award.

“Combined with its UK outdoor-bred pig production and free-range eggs and own-brand egg products, the Co-op is demonstrating leadership in advancing the cage-free agenda.”