Thailand’s hospitality sector has achieved significant progress in cage-free egg adoption, with nearly 70% of rooms in major hotel properties now covered by sourcing commitments, according to a new industry assessment by Lever Foundation.
The 2025 Thailand Hospitality Industry Cage-Free Egg Scorecard evaluated 59 of the largest hotel groups operating in Thailand and found that 61% of hotel groups — representing over 115,000 rooms or 69% of total rooms evaluated — are covered by pledges to source only cage-free eggs. The assessment examined animal welfare policies across the country’s formal hospitality industry.
Six hotel groups earned A ratings for completing transitions to 100% cage-free egg sourcing in Thailand: Aman Resorts, Capella Hotel Group, COMO Hotels and Resorts, Mandarin Oriental, Raya Collection and Soneva. COMO Metropolitan Bangkok transitioned to 100% cage-free eggs ahead of the company’s global 2026 target, while Capella completed its global transition by January 2025, ahead of its original end-of-2025 goal.
“The widespread adoption of cage-free egg commitments covering over two-thirds of Thailand’s formal hospitality industry shows the sector’s recognition of animal welfare, food safety, and sustainability as critical business imperatives,” said Lily Tse, sustainability program director at Lever Foundation.
Major hotel groups set transition timelines
An additional 28 hotel groups have established global cage-free egg policies scheduled for full implementation over the next several years. Companies with such policies include domestic brands Minor Hotels, Cape & Kantary Hotels, ONYX Hospitality Group, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Asset World Corporation and Chatrium Hotels & Residences.
Major international brands including Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and InterContinental have also set global cage-free egg policies covering their Thailand operations. Shangri-La Thailand and SAii Hotels & Resorts have made country-specific commitments to source only cage-free eggs in Thailand within several years.
Lever Foundation worked with a number of the hotel groups to develop their cage-free sourcing policies. The organization provides guidance and resources to hospitality companies implementing animal welfare standards in their food procurement.
Cage-free eggs are produced by hens housed in systems that allow movement and natural behaviors including feeding, laying, resting and dust-bathing. In contrast, conventional cage systems confine hens in battery cages that restrict movement and prevent these behaviors.
Gaps remain among domestic hotel groups
The assessment identified gaps in cage-free adoption, with 23 hotel groups representing 53,470 rooms — 31% of rooms evaluated — lacking any cage-free egg policy. Hospitality groups without commitments include Dusit International, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Grande Asset Hotels & Property, Grande Centre Point Hotels, Laguna Resorts and Hotels, and SALA Hospitality Group.
“With the strong momentum built across the hospitality sector, those groups without a cage-free egg policy are well-positioned to catch up with industry leaders and demonstrate commitment to food safety and animal welfare,” Tse said.
Peer-reviewed scientific studies have found that hens raised outside cages produce eggs with higher food safety standards and nutritional quality compared to eggs from caged systems. Research has documented reduced pathogen prevalence and contamination risks in cage-free production systems.
Tse noted that hotels of various sizes have successfully implemented cage-free transitions, indicating that the shift is feasible across different operational scales. “Lever Foundation is committed to providing guidance and resources to help Thai hotel groups develop policies that work for their business while advancing animal welfare and food safety,” she said.
The assessment arrives as consumer awareness of animal welfare in food production increases across Asia.
