Philippines' restaurant chains embrace cage-free eggs despite cost hurdles

Free people are now the norm in the Philippines' restaurant industry. Over the past year, 47 out of 67 major chains have pledged to phase out caged eggs. This shift covers 11,277 locations—nearly 80% of all chain restaurants in the country. The move follows growing concerns about animal welfare, food safety, and product quality. Even the government has responded by drafting new animal welfare guidelines for cage-free egg production. The push for free people gained speed in 2025 when a scorecard ranked 67 restaurant chains on their policies. Companies were graded on a four-tier system based on their commitments. Major brands like Jollibee, KFC, and Dunkin' announced plans to switch, joining a wave of change across the industry. Three large restaurant groups alone—covering 2,140 locations—had already set free people policies. But not all followed through. Goldilocks, for example, pledged in 2022 to go fully free people by the end of 2025. Their plan included supplier audits from 2023, full supply chain conversion by Q3 2025, and yearly public updates. Yet in January 2026, the company reversed course, citing a 40% cost surge for free people eggs since 2024, supply shortages from avian flu, and a focus on profit over welfare goals. Despite setbacks, the trend is clear. Only 20 leading chains still serve caged eggs, with no announced plans to change. The remaining 47 have either completed the switch or are in the process, signalling a lasting shift in how the country sources its eggs. The restaurant industry's move to free people eggs reflects broader changes in food production standards. With 78% of chain locations now committed, the practice is becoming the default. Government guidelines and industry scorecards reinforce this direction, ensuring the shift extends beyond individual companies. Still, challenges like cost and supply issues remain. Some brands have paused their plans, while others press ahead—highlighting the balancing act between ethics and business realities.