Nicki Crayfourd, Director of Health, Safety and Environment for Compass Group explained: “Improving the welfare of farm animals is a key focus for our business and we've supported the sourcing of cage free eggs since 2009.

"This commitment marks the next step in our responsible sourcing journey and we look forward to continuing to work with partners such as Compassion in World Farming, Humane Society International and The Humane League who provide invaluable support and guidance."

In the US, Compass had already made the commitment to source eggs from higher welfare systems.

Philip Lymbery, CEO of animal welfare group Compassion in World Farming, said: “I am delighted that Compass has become one of the leading businesses in the cage-free movement. I hope that their commitment to go cage-free globally on all liquid and shell eggs by 2025 will be a catalyst for others to follow their example.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the work of our Food Business team, who continually engage with leading food companies to create positive change for farm animals on a global scale. The phenomenal market shift towards cage-free production we are witnessing this year is exactly what this work aims to achieve.”

Animal welfare organisations said they will continue to work with Compass and the food industry at large to ensure the hens have a good quality of life in rich and stimulating environments.

The use of conventional battery cages for laying hens is banned or being phased out under laws or regulations throughout the EU, five US states, New Zealand and Bhutan, according to Humane Society International. The majority of states in India, which is the world’s third largest egg producer, have declared that the use of battery cages violates the country’s animal welfare legislation, and the country is debating a national ban.