Whole Food Markets to Deliver Kinder, Gentler Meat
Whole Foods Market has recently announced that they will be introducing a line of meat that will carry the label “animal compassionate,” telling consumers that the animals were raised in a humane manner until they were slaughtered.
Grocery stores nationwide are starting to use more sensitive labelling in their meat and other products, including phrases such as “certified humane” and “free range.” True, these products typically cost more (free range eggs can be up to 60% higher than the counterparts and the new “animal compassionate” meat can be 30-40% higher in cost), but Whole Foods Market is betting that the items will appeal to their customers who are animal lovers (the ones that eat meat, of course).
How have sales been in retail establishments? The New York Times reports that small grocery chain retailer, D’Agostino has seen a 25% increase in sales of meat since the “animal compassionate” products have been added, even though these items cost more.
Photo of compassionate pig from NYT
