LAKEWOOD, Colo., June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, June 28, 2017, Natural Grocers received the Good Egg Award by Compassion in World Farming at its prestigious Good Farm Animal Awards Ceremony held in London, in recognition of developing an innovative supply chain of 100% Free-Range Eggs, the first such exclusively free-range egg supply chain in the U.S. major retail grocery industry.    

The Good Egg Award was founded in 2007 to recognize companies that use or have committed to use (within 5 years) cage-free eggs or egg products. Natural Grocers, a long-time supporter of raising animal welfare standards, went beyond the industry cage-free standard in 2016 by launching an innovative 100% Free-Range egg supply chain. This commitment assures consumers that only free-range eggs will be offered at Natural Grocers and that the price would be the same or even lower with the new higher standard.

"There is a momentous shift happening in the US and beyond towards cage-free and free-range egg production. We are thrilled to be awarding Natural Grocers for being at the forefront of that shift," said Rachel Dreskin, US Head of Food Business at Compassion in World Farming. "We would like to congratulate Natural Grocers for the huge difference they are making to the lives of laying hens in their supply chain. As hundreds of other food businesses move in the same direction their commitment to animal welfare will serve as an excellent example."

"We are proud to have our industry-leading 100% Free-Range egg standard recognized by Compassion in World Farming," said Heather Isely, Executive Vice President at Natural Grocers. "We hope to inspire other companies around the world to follow our example and to realize that it is possible to offer the highest quality standards at affordable prices.  We are here to show that a just, sustainable and equitable food system is possible."

It takes more than 6.5 billion laying hens to produce the eggs required for the global egg market, with over 60% of hens kept in industrialized caged systems. Its family values-based companies like Natural Grocers that are leading the way towards better animal welfare standards and increased awareness and demand from consumers. Thanks to organizations such as Compassion in World Farming, businesses can be recognized and rewarded for their compassion and willingness to take action.

About Compassion in World Farming

Compassion in World Farming is recognized as the leading international farm animal welfare charity. It was founded in 1967 by Peter Roberts, a British dairy farmer, who became concerned about the development of intensive factory farming.

About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC; NaturalGrocers.com) is a rapidly expanding specialty retailer of organic and natural groceries, body care and dietary supplements. The company offers a flexible, neighborhood-store format, affordable prices and free, science-based nutrition education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. Founded in Colorado in 1955, Natural Grocers has more than 3,000 employees and operates 140 stores in 19 states.

SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.