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German Grocers Set Timetables to Drop Lowest-Welfare Meat, With Lidl Ending Sales by Late 2025

Shoppers should expect higher prices as retailers raise minimum standards for private‑label fresh meat.

Overview

  • Aldi Süd, Rewe and Penny plan to remove Haltungsform 1 from own‑brand fresh meat by mid‑January 2026, while Lidl says it will sell only Haltungsform 2 or higher by the end of 2025 and has met that level for most items.
  • Major chains target at least Haltungsform 3 across all private‑label fresh meat by 2030, aligning assortments with higher animal‑welfare requirements.
  • Aldi Nord, Kaufland, Edeka and Netto continue limited sales of Haltungsform 1 beef due to scarce higher‑welfare supply and customer price sensitivity.
  • Market data show Haltungsform 1 is nearly gone for pork and poultry, yet roughly three quarters of beef products still come from the lowest tier.
  • Consumer groups call for mandatory, clearly visible state labeling and greater price transparency, while farmers seek funding and permitting relief to convert barns; official data show meat prices since 2020 rose about 70% for ground beef, 60% for pork mince and 45% for fresh poultry.