Entries Open for '2026 Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards' to Enhance Corporate Value with Global Animal Welfare Standards

Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), an international farm animal welfare organization, works with food companies worldwide through its food business program to promote higher animal welfare standards for farmed animals.

To date, over 1,000 companies globally, including McDonald's, Starbucks, Amazon Fresh, and IKEA, have received the 'Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards,' with multiple Japanese companies also being honored in 2023 and 2024.

Applications for the 2026 Awards are now open. The application deadline is July 3, 2026.

We are calling on Japanese food companies to apply for the '2026 Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards (GFAWA).' This award offers an excellent opportunity for companies to gain international recognition for their progress in animal welfare. It celebrates companies that are committed to improving animal welfare through clear policies, measurable progress, and transparent reporting.

Applications for the 'Good Egg Award,' 'Good Chicken Award,' and 'Cage-Free Pig Award' are accepted until July 3, 2026. The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in Brussels.

■ Animal Welfare in Japan

Animal welfare initiatives are advancing in Japan, with signs of market expansion and growing interest from companies and producers. While cage-free (free-range, pasture-raised, etc.) production still accounts for a small proportion of the market, it is gradually increasing, with an estimated 3.17% of laying hens in Japan being raised cage-free (*1). Some industry experts predict that this proportion could exceed 10% within the next decade, as supply and production capacity expand (*2).

Corporate commitments are also beginning to play a significant role in the market. For example, Kewpie, one of Japan's largest users of eggs, has pledged to transition a portion of its egg procurement to cage-free (*3). Simultaneously, many producers have indicated their readiness to expand cage-free production, suggesting active movement across the entire supply chain (*4).

Comment from Jooji Ikeshima, Animal Welfare Corporate Partners (AWCP):

"Cage-free production in Japan is still developing, but there are clear signs of growth, such as an increase in consumer products and rising interest from both companies and producers. Continuous cooperation across the entire supply chain will be key to expanding higher welfare systems."

Japan's progress towards higher animal welfare has also received international recognition. In 2022, Shunrakuzen received Japan's first 'Good Egg Award' for its efforts in cage-free egg production.

This momentum continued in 2023 and 2024, with companies and brands such as Asagiri Hozan Farm, Miyamoto Poultry Farm's 'Nagomi Tamago' brand, Naturafarm's 'Hiragai Tamago' and 'ecocco,' and Shizen Bokujo Otafuku Tamago being named award recipients.

Hitomi Fukushige, Shizen Bokujo Otafuku Tamago

From right) Noritaka Ichiyanagi and Tomoko Ichiyanagi, Naturafarm

This continuous recognition demonstrates Japanese producers' ongoing commitment to transitioning to cage-free egg production and implementing higher welfare practices.

■ Applications from Japanese Companies Now Accepted

Comment from Rubia Soares, CIWF Senior Food Business Manager:

"The Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards recognize companies that are taking clear and measurable steps to improve animal welfare and ensure transparency in their supply chains. Our team supports companies throughout the application process, providing practical guidance to help them develop robust animal welfare policies and effectively implement them across their operations. We encourage applications from Japanese companies and look forward to seeing even more Japanese companies honored at the awards ceremony in Brussels this year."

CIWF encourages Japanese companies dealing with laying hens, broiler chickens, and sows to apply for the 2026 'Good Egg Award,' 'Good Chicken Award,' and 'Cage-Free Pig Award' and join the expanding network of companies promoting improved animal welfare.