Under Jan Zijderveld’s watch, animals are subjected to extreme cruelty.
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Who is Jan Zijderveld?
Jan is a career executive with decades of experience. He spent nearly 30 years at Unilever, served as CEO of Avon, and has held board positions with several companies, including Pandora, EPIC Acquisition Corp, and Symrise AG. Most importantly, in 2021, he joined the Supervisory Board of Ahold Delhaize — parent company to Food Lion, Giant, Stop & Shop, and other major grocery retailers.
Jan’s time with Ahold Delhaize makes clear he is lacking one key area: corporate responsibility.
What’s the problem?
Under Jan’s leadership, Ahold Delhaize is neglecting a serious animal cruelty issue. The company is falling behind the food industry by continuing to sell eggs from caged hens.
In the U.S., Ahold Delhaize sources the vast majority of its eggs from controversial battery cage facilities where chickens are confined in cages so small that they can barely move. This practice is so unsafe and inhumane that it is illegal in many U.S. states and the entire European Union, including in the Netherlands, Ahold Delhaize’s own home country. Ahold Delhaize has broken promises to concerned stakeholders and neglected to publish concrete action plans for phasing out these inhumane products.
It’s time for Jan to take a stand against this cruelty.
Jan’s company is misleading its customers.
A recent survey of Ahold Delhaize customers found that 85 percent opposed caged hen housing, preferring that hens be kept in open barns. The survey also found that the company’s labeling is misleading to a significant portion of its customers, who incorrectly believe eggs with certain labels at Ahold Delhaize stores are cage-free. This confusion and potential mistrust put the company’s brand reputation at risk.
It’s clear Ahold Delhaize’s customers expect the company to transition to 100 percent cage-free — and that their loyalty depends on the company sticking to its word.
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