Consumers Oriented Toward 'Value Consumption'... Galleria Offers Eggs '100% Cage-Free'

Galleria Department Store announced on the 21st that it will become the first department store in Korea to switch all eggs sold in its food halls to cage-free eggs. Starting with the luxury hall and Gourmet 494 Hannam on the previous day, Galleria plans to apply "100% cage-free" eggs to all its locations by 2023.

Starting Conversion of Luxury Hall and Gourmet 494 Hannam on the 20th
"Complete Conversion of All Stores by 2023"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] Galleria Department Store announced on the 21st that it will become the first domestic department store to switch all eggs sold in its food halls to cage-free eggs in line with the recent consumer trend toward 'value consumption.' 'Cage-free' means not using eggs produced in cramped battery cages.

Starting with the luxury hall and Gourmet 494 Hannam on the previous day, Galleria plans to apply '100% cage-free' to all its stores by 2023.

According to the currently implemented 'Eggshell Labeling System,' all eggs distributed in the market have information about the eggs indicated by numbers. The last number (1 to 4) represents the rearing environment of the hens. Number 1 indicates 'free-range farming,' where hens can access outdoor runs and live freely, and number 2 means hens are raised freely indoors without being caged. Eggs labeled 1 and 2 are classified as cage-free eggs.

The movement toward cage-free is a global trend. The European Union (EU) has legally banned the use of battery cages for laying hens since 2012 and has been gradually implementing this at a national level. In Korea, the cage-free movement is rapidly spreading, especially among global companies such as Starbucks and Subway.

Galleria stated, "This '100% cage-free' declaration aligns with Galleria's long-standing pursuit of 'respect for life' and its values." They added, "It is meaningful in establishing a virtuous cycle that helps expand sales channels for cage-free egg producers and proposes value consumption and ethical consumption to consumers."

Previously, Galleria sold more than 60% cage-free eggs in the luxury hall and Gourmet 494 Hannam. With the renewal of the fresh food corner in October, all eggs will be converted to cage-free eggs. Regional stores such as ▲Galleria Gwanggyo ▲Daejeon Timeworld ▲Cheonan Center City plan to reach 70% conversion by 2022 and 100% by 2023.

To ensure sincere cage-free practice, Galleria signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the animal organization 'Animal Freedom Coalition' and will continuously share the implementation process.

A Galleria official said, "We declared 'cage-free' in response to recent social issues and changes in consumer trends regarding animal welfare, including egg consumption," adding, "We will continue to take the lead in fulfilling corporate social responsibility such as advancing animal welfare."