Availability Of Humanely Labeled Foods In U.S. Grocery Stores

The Humane Food Survey, a study by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) ranks the top 25 U.S. supermarket chains (by annual sales) according to their humanely-labeled food offerings, named Whole Foods as the top ranking grocery chain. Results show a 23% overall increase in humane food offerings in stores from 2008 to 2009.

2009 survey results show that people are becoming more aware of and sensitive to the methods used to raise farm animals. More consumers are looking for humane alternatives and are willing to pay higher prices for such products. This consumer demand is influencing retailers to stock more humane food options.

This study categorized products into four groups including dairy, eggs, unprocessed meat/poultry, and processed meat/poultry. Stores were then ranked using a point system based on the quality and variety of the food products available on the shelves. The top 10 most humane grocery chains and their 2009 scores include:

• Whole Foods Market (83)
• Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. (42)
• Publix Super Markets (42)
• Hy-Vee, Inc. (36)
• Ralph’s (33)
• Trader Joes Co. (32) & Kroger Co. (32)
• Giant Food Stores (31)
• Stop and Shop (30)