Strawberry says no to Frankenchickens

Strawberry is the next company in line to start working with the European Chicken Commitment (ECC) and introduce a policy that applies across Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark. With around 250 hotels in these countries, the policy will have a significant impact on many animals. 

An increasing number of companies are beginning to work with the ECC, and the progress is also evident among producers and suppliers. In Norway, for example, the poultry producer Norsk Kylling has already completed its transition, while in France, the food giant LDC has begun its own – a decision that affects around 280 million chickens every year. 

– It is encouraging to see more influential companies taking a stand for the chickens. In Sweden, we’re not yet seeing the same development, which is concerning. This should send a strong signal to other actors that it’s time to act, says Nathalie Söderström, Director of Corporate Relations at Project 1882.  

The policy means that, starting from the end of 2026, Strawberry – with the hotel chains Comfort Hotel, Quality Hotel, Clarion Hotel, and Home Hotel – will no longer purchase meat from Frankenchickens. Suppliers will also be required to report on whether chickens have outdoor access. In addition, Strawberry highlights further improvements in its animal welfare policy, including a firm stance against sow confinement – a practice still common in many countries that severely restricts animal welfare. 

Despite this step forward, several major hotel chains have yet to take a position against Frankenchickens. Among these are First Hotels and Radisson. Project 1882 now calls on more companies to follow Strawberry’s lead and take responsibility for improving the welfare of chickens.