Global food companies and animal welfare groups have launched an initiative to improve cage-free egg supply chains in India, where large-scale cage-free production remains limited.

The initiative has been launched by the Global Coalition for Animal Welfare in partnership with Global Food Partners. Participating companies include Compass Group, Elior Group and Sodexo.

India is the world’s second-largest egg producer, with an estimated 627 million hens, according to figures cited by the coalition. However, cage-free egg production in the country remains limited and fragmented.

The project will examine supply chain challenges linked to cage-free sourcing, including inconsistent standards, limited certified production, supply shortages and infrastructure gaps.

Participating companies will map demand for cage-free eggs, identify suppliers, engage with industry and government stakeholders, and prepare a roadmap to support supply growth.

Global Food Partners will serve as the technical delivery partner for the project. The consultancy works with egg producers and food businesses across Asia on cage-free sourcing and production systems.

Nathan Rhys Williams, representing the coalition secretariat, said companies with cage-free sourcing commitments in India needed clearer information on supply availability and operational feasibility.

The coalition said the initiative would use a collaborative approach to help companies address sourcing challenges and improve market visibility.

Demand for cage-free eggs has increased as food companies adopt animal welfare targets across supply chains. However, expansion in markets such as India has been slow because of higher production costs and limited infrastructure.

The coalition said the project could also provide market insights to support wider adoption of cage-free sourcing practices in India’s food sector.