http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47172360/ns/business-us_business/
When I first read this article, I was a little bit disappointed that it was going to take them 5 years in order to make this transition; it kind of seemed like a marketing ploy for them to look better in the eyes of consumers, but to still continue skimping on food costs by using chicken and pork from caged animals. Although, I realize now--considering the volume of each product that they buy every year (hundreds of millions of eggs and tens of millions of pounds of pork)--that it's going to take a little bit of industry reformation to be able to supply the food chain with that much food.
This makes me like BK a lot more, because they are not only sacrificing profit to support cage-free animal farms, but are also forcing their suppliers to transition to being cage-free if they want to continue their contracts with Burger King. This press release will also influence their competitors (McDonald's and Wendy's) who will want to meet the raised expectations of the fast food industry and compete on an equal level. Therefore, this vow by BK will transform the food industry, and bring the problem of caged animals to the forefront of our culture by making that many more people (fast food customers) aware of it.
The only down-fall of this is the perception that the cost of BK's products will rise dramatically, making it unaffordable for those who normally eat at fast food restaurants. However, a study cited in the article says that it's only about 1 cent more per caged-free egg. The price change for pork is not yet known.
How much does a company's animal welfare policy influence your decision to eat there?
Will you be more likely to support Burger King now that they are making the effort to go cage-free?
I try not to eat at fast-food eateries, but what this story DOES make me realize, is that my perception of Burger King will be changed if they follow through with what they are saying for the next five years. I think this is a great first step, and that hopefully it will force other competitors like McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken to at least think about other options they have, especially if they want to remain profitable in the coming years, when people are becoming so focused on ethical treatment of animals, and the quality of the food they are putting into their bodies. However, I do realize that a large part of what will influence their decisions to go cage free is the cost to them. People that go to fast-food eateries definitely go there because it's cheap. I think very few people go there because the burgers are better tasting than at another restaurant. So it will be interesting to follow their progress and see how their actions may influence other chains to do the same.
ReplyDelete