Press release
The burger grill chain Hans im Glück has achieved the goals of the European Chicken Commitment (ECC) two years ahead of schedule, sending a strong signal for higher animal welfare standards in the food service industry.
»We are delighted that Hans im Glück has taken decisive action and achieved its self-defined goals ahead of schedule,« comments Loretta Schulte, Key Account Manager at the Albert Schweitzer Foundation. »This impressively proves that higher animal welfare standards are economically and logistically feasible. It not only makes Hans im Glück a role model for the industry, but also shows guests how seriously the company takes animal welfare, sustainability and quality.«
Early achievement of ECC targets
As early as in 2020, Hans im Glück committed to raising the standards for broiler chickens in its supply chains to the level of the European Chicken Commitment by 2026. However, the company has now – as of October 2024 – already completely converted its purchasing in Germany and Austria to the stricter husbandry conditions for broiler chickens. The stores in Switzerland will follow successively over the course of the coming year. This makes Hans im Glück the first German company to fully meet the requirements of the European Chicken Commitment for its entire range.
»We are particularly pleased to have achieved the goals of the European Chicken Commitment in Germany two years in advance,« says Anna-Lena Kribbeler, Quality Assurance & Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Hans im Glück. »The topic of chicken farming is sensitive and for us as a company it is an area in which we can make a big difference. Our aim right from the start was not only to meet the minimum legal requirements, but also to contribute to higher husbandry standards. I am convinced that this will strengthen trust within the supply chains, in the ECC and, of course, with our guests.«
Challenges of the transition overcome
A key aspect of the transition was finding a new supplier that could meet the standards of the European Chicken Commitment. »We are very happy to have found a supplier that provides us with meat of the desired quality,« says Kribbeler.
Leading by example
Hans im Glück was one of the first companies in Germany to support the European Chicken Commitment and is now once again setting a good example. By implementing the Commitment ahead of schedule, the company is showing that animal welfare and profitability can go hand in hand. This strengthens trust in the brand and paves the way for further changes in the market.
You can find more information about the European Chicken Commitment at Hans im Glück here.
About Hans im Glück
Hans im Glück Franchise GmbH was founded in Munich in 2010 and has been on a growth trajectory ever since, currently with almost 100 burger grills in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The company has already received numerous awards for its successful franchise system, including as Germany's most innovative company in the gastronomy, tourism & leisure category of Capital magazine, as a top 100 company in Germany in KPMG's Customer Experience Excellence Study of 2021 and as the most vegan-friendly restaurant chain in the ProVeg ranking.
In 2023, Hans im Glück also received the Peta Food award for the best vegan burger. In addition to constantly striving to offer its guests the best possible restaurant experience, the burger grill company is also committed to important social causes, such as the Nestwärme e.V. children's hospice. New franchise partners who are passionate about hospitality and want to offer their guests an exceptional experience are welcome to become part of this happy expansion. More information is available at www.hansimglueck-burgergrill.de/franchise.