On October 23, 2025, the 7th Annual Quality & Welfare Egg Conference was successfully held in Shanghai. Jointly organized by FAI Farms, SRClC, and IQC, guided by CAFA, and supported by Elanco, Big Dutchman, CIWF, Ovodan, Intertek, and Lever. Under the theme “Breaking Boundaries · Navigating Cage Free” the conference brought together over 200 experts, scholars, and corporate representatives from China and abroad. The agenda featured industry report releases, certification ceremonies, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and a purchasing matchmaking dinner, focusing on the future of China’s cage-free egg industry.

Key Highlights

Report & Certification:The 2025 China Cage-Free Egg Industry Report was officially released, highlighting the industry’s rapid development and emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to standardize welfare practices. A total of 13 new cage-free farms received certification, bringing the national total to 32 certified farms, covering 1.3 million laying hens and producing over 380 million eggs annually.

Awards:The Sustainable Food Leadership Awards were presented to Sodexo, Club Med, Dufengxuan, Epermarket, Willnice, Yupei Supply Chain, Ole’, and Wagas, recognizing their leadership in advancing cage-free commitments and sustainable food transitions. The 2025 Outstanding Individual Contribution Awards went toFranny Fan (Sodexo China),George Ji (Accor Hotels), and Xiaofang Su (JD.com) for their significant contributions to the development of the cage-free egg sector.

Keynote Speeches:Experts and scholars shared global and domestic insights on cage-free practices:The EU banned conventional cages in 2012, Sweden became the world’s first fully cage-free egg producer,Germany prohibited both cage systems and the culling of male chicks. Speakers emphasized that China needs to establish a “trust triangle” — certification, blockchain traceability, and consumer education — to drive confidence and growth. They also suggested positioning cage-free eggs as an “affordable luxury” product with potential 20–30% price premiums.

Panel Discussions:Discussions focused on market practices and production-side strategies, calling for closer coordination between producers and buyers, stronger brand differentiation, clearer value propositions, and optimized supply chains. Several enterprises shared experiences on breeding improvement and cost reduction.

Matchmaking & Exchange:A Cage-Free Product Showcase and Purchasing Matchmaking Dinner were held to foster cooperation between certified producers and buyers. These sessions strengthened market linkages, promoted brand visibility, and encouraged broader adoption of high-welfare cage-free eggs across China.