WMU targets 500,000 cage-free hens by 2027

INDONESIA – Indonesian poultry producer PT Widodo Makmur Unggas Tbk (WMU) plans to expand its cage-free laying hen capacity to 500,000 birds by 2027, positioning the company to become Southeast Asia’s largest cage-free egg producer as demand for higher-welfare and sustainable egg products continues to grow.

The expansion comes amid rising consumer awareness of animal welfare, food safety, and sustainable production practices, as well as growing commitments from foodservice, hospitality, and retail companies to source cage-free eggs.

According to Tri Mahawijaya Herlambang, Marketing Director of WMU, demand for cage-free eggs in Indonesia is increasing steadily, driven by both multinational brands and domestic businesses seeking to strengthen their sustainability credentials.

To meet this demand, the company is gradually increasing its cage-free flock from approximately 200,000 laying hens to 500,000 birds over the next two years.

“We are confident that demand for cage-free eggs will continue to increase,” said Herlambang.

“Therefore, we are building production capacity now to ensure we are prepared to respond to future demand growth.”

Growing market demand drives expansion

WMU currently supplies cage-free eggs through a business-to-business model.

Its customers include catering companies, hotel groups, restaurants and quick-service restaurant operators.

The company is also preparing to introduce its own cage-free egg brand to the retail market, expanding its reach beyond foodservice channels.

Herlambang said the expansion is intended to create a premium market segment rather than replace conventional egg production.

“This expansion is not intended to replace existing markets, but rather to create a new, higher-value segment while responding to increasing consumer interest in sustainability, food safety and animal welfare,” he said.

“As a publicly listed company, WMU is also committed to sustainability. Implementing animal welfare practices through cage-free farming is one tangible example of that commitment.”

The move has been welcomed by animal welfare organisation Lever Foundation, which has worked with food companies and producers across Asia to accelerate cage-free egg adoption.

Sandi Dwiyanto, Sustainable Poultry Program Manager at Lever Foundation, said demand continues to rise across multiple sectors.

“Today, more than 2,000 food companies worldwide have committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs,” he said.

These include major international brands operating in Indonesia such as KFC, Burger King, Hyatt, Marriott and Swiss-Belhotel International.

A growing number of Indonesian companies have also adopted cage-free sourcing policies, including Super Indo, Ismaya Group, Bali Buda and Jiwa Jawi.

Welfare and food safety gains support transition

The expansion also aligns with Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 32 of 2025 on the implementation of animal welfare.

Industry stakeholders say the transition toward cage-free production is being supported by both consumer demand and food safety considerations.

According to consumer research conducted by GMO Research, 55% of Indonesian consumers prefer products from brands that exclusively use cage-free eggs, while 72% believe food companies should source eggs from farms that implement animal welfare standards.

Food safety studies have also strengthened the case for cage-free systems.

Research conducted by the European Food Safety Authority found that cage-free egg farms can have significantly lower risks of contamination from certain Salmonella strains compared to conventional cage systems.

Lever Foundation said WMU’s investment could help accelerate the development of Indonesia’s cage-free egg sector while ensuring supply keeps pace with growing demand from food companies and consumers.

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