Better Chicken Commitment

CAVA is focused on sourcing premium, fresh ingredients in humane and sustainable ways, and to working with farmers, ranchers, and suppliers who share our values.

This work includes a deep commitment to improving the welfare of broiler chickens. In 2019, we set a goal of sourcing 100 percent of our chicken from suppliers that meet standards endorsed by the Better Chicken Commitment, including:

• Using breeds proven to have better welfare outcomes

• Reducing maximum stocking density to give birds more space

• Improving living environments including litter, lighting, and enrichment

• Processing chickens more humanely through a multi-step controlled-atmosphere processing system.

We annually survey our chicken suppliers against these standards. Many have implemented several of them, and we are working with them to drive continued progress.

Based on our 2023 survey, 100 percent of the chicken we source meets the standard for litter that supports well-being and 73 percent meet the standard of providing eight hours of light and six hours of darkness. 37 percent is raised in compliance with the stocking density standard and 38 percent have enrichments like elevated resting places, hay bales, and objects to explore. Finally, approximately 26% is sourced from a supplier that uses controlled-atmosphere processing. While there is still work to do, we remain committed to broiler chicken welfare and are working diligently with our suppliers to drive further progress and deliver on that commitment. We will report annually on our progress, starting in 2024.