Willnice Becomes First Major Chinese Bakery Chain to Commit Sourcing 100% Cage-Free Eggs
Willnice, one of China’s largest bakery brands, announced its new commitment to using only cage-free eggs in its supply chain by 2027. Willnice’s pioneering direction on animal welfare will not only help drive the transformation of egg ingredient supply chains, it also marks a significant advancement in sustainable food systems within China’s bakery sector.
Willnice has established a strong market presence as China’s sixth-largest chain bakery brand, operating more than 800 stores across over 380 cities nationwide. The company has demonstrated consistent market leadership, maintaining the top position in cake category sales for three consecutive years on Meituan Takeout, one of China’s premier food delivery platforms. Recognized for its exceptional quality standards, Willnice was appointed as the official dessert and cake provider for the 31st FISU World University Games.
“Corporate social responsibility is not empty talk, but creating value for society through concrete actions,” said Li Kun, founder of Willnice. “Since our founding, we have consistently adhered to selecting premium ingredients and maintaining strict quality control to provide consumers with worry-free and reliable experiences. Our commitment to fully transition to cage-free eggs by 2027 reflects both our brand’s pursuit of high-quality ingredients and our serious commitment to sustainable procurement practices, through which we aim to promote positive, high-standard sustainable development across the industry.”
“Harmonious coexistence between humans and nature is essential, and the promotion of cage-free eggs demonstrates reverence for the protection of nature,” said Liang Wei, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Bakery Association. “Willnice’s establishment of comprehensive cage-free egg sourcing targets further advances high-quality, sustainable development within the bakery industry.”
“Willnice’s leadership in adopting cage-free sourcing demonstrates the remarkable foresight in China’s bakery sector,” said Siyun Dou, Sustainability Program Manager at Shanghai-based consultancy Lever China, which collaborated with the company on the commitment. “As the first major Chinese chain bakery to establish a 100% cage-free egg sourcing standard, Willnice is creating a blueprint for sustainable development in the industry. The company’s commitment signals a shift toward more responsible ingredient sourcing practices across China’s bakery sector.”
Cage-free egg production, in which hens are given the freedom to move in open environments, improves animal welfare and food quality and significantly improves food safety. Exhaustive research by the European Food Safety Authority found that cage-free egg farms have up to a 25 times lower rate of contamination by key salmonella strains. An increasing number of consumers have also been leaving eggs off their plates as the best way to help laying hens.