SALISBURY — As part of the company’s continued commitment to sustainability and animal welfare, Delhaize America announced Wednesday that it will work with suppliers to reach a 100 percent cage-free shell egg assortment by 2025.

Delhaize America, and its Food Lion and Hannaford banners, will work toward a 100 percent cage-free shell egg assortment first in its private brand selection, which accounts for the majority of shell egg sales.

Delhaize America, along with its Food Lion and Hannaford banners, will then continually increase its overall supply of cage-free eggs to obtain 100 percent cage-free in all shell eggs offerings by 2025 or sooner based on available supply, affordability and customer demand.

“Delhaize America supports continuous improvement in animal welfare practices through its comprehensive approach to sustainability,” said JJ Fleeman, chief strategy and development officer at Delhaize America. “Today’s cage-free egg announcement is another step we are taking to ensure the humane treatment of animals while also reinforcing a number of strong sustainability practices we have implemented across our organization.”

The company will report publically on the number of eggs impacted, with an aim to increase that number year over year.

“Both Food Lion and Hannaford have increased the availability of cage-free shell egg options in both its private label and national label egg offerings, and will continue to increase the number of cage-free shell options as quickly as possible based on available supply, customer demand and affordability,” said Fleeman.

Delhaize America works closely with a number of animal welfare consulting groups, including Compassion in World Farming.

“We wholeheartedly applaud Delhaize America for taking these steps today to improve the lives of laying hens,” said Leah Garces, U.S. director of Compassion in World Farming. “We have partnered with Delhaize America during the past two years to consult on a number of animal welfare issues and can attest to the company’s firm commitment to continuous improvement within its supply chain.”

For more information on Delhaize America’s sustainability progress, visit https://sustainabilityreport.delhaizegroup.com/.