Asian companies willing to keep up with the changes in the increasingly animal welfare-conscious consumer market are embarking on the process of acquiring certification that attests to the responsibility of farms and ranches that work with the ethical and humane rearing of species, from birth to slaughter.

This business strategy is in line with a new way of dealing with products and services available in the market. Asian consumers are willing to pay more for products that they perceive to be safer and more ethical.

And, on the other hand, products with the animal welfare label offer a competitive advantage in a scenario where quality is a decisive factor.

Therefore, prioritizing animal welfare in production is a market opportunity in Asian countries.

Business strategy

Animal welfare certification is often associated with higher standards of quality and food safety. 

By meeting growing demands for transparency, quality and environmental responsibility, farms and companies can build a solid reputation with consumers who have new standards and expectations for the consumption of animal products.

The challenges of animal production in Asia is that they still involve a lack of clear regulations in some countries and more effective investment policies for the sector. 

However, opportunities to access premium markets, improved company reputations and alignment with consumer expectations are driving this change. 

This movement has accelerated the response of producers who are willing to adapt their way of raising animals by modernizing processes, and implementing practices that take into account the animals’ natural behaviour.

Countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia are on the path of this expansion in the production chain. Among the reasons that have accelerated this market transformation in Asia are:

International standards

Many producers in these countries are beginning to adopt international animal welfare standards through globally recognized certifications.

Better production conditions

Adoption of better conditions for breeding, transporting and slaughtering animals, with guaranteed access to adequate water and food and the implementation of less stressful practices during handling.

Pressure from export markets

In order to supply the European Union and the United States, producers need to meet strict animal welfare standards. Certification has become a requirement to remain competitive in these markets.

Multinational

Global food companies have sourcing policies that demand animal welfare standards and more ethical farming practices, especially from Asian producers.

Human and animal health

Good animal welfare practices are associated with reduced illness in humans and animals, and less use of antibiotics and other medicines.

Transforming animal production in Asia

By combining the motivations, benefits and demands of the domestic and international markets, the adoption of animal welfare certification by companies in Asia has had an impact on business results on the continent.

Some of the certified producers who have expanded their sales and modernized their production through the Certified Humane® program include Beindy in Thailand, Emivest Animal Feed Mill in Vietnam, the award-winning Happy Hens Farm in India, and others in Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.

What they all have in common is the premise of innovation and sustainability that is part of the Certified Humane® commitment. 

To find out how these certified farms and ranches are expanding this sector and what the results of the certification program have been in each of them, access our complete materials.

Click here and download it for free. 

And if your company is looking to add value and access markets that prioritize ethical practices, traceability and animal welfare, Certified Humane® certification is the right way to strengthen your role in responsible agriculture in Asia and around the world.

Recently, the Yogyakarta region in Indonesia launched the first cage-free district, standing out as an example in promoting sustainable and humane practices in animal production.

Companies, consumers, and researchers across Asia are increasingly aligning with these practices. According to data presented in a study published in Frontiers in Animal Science, which evaluated the impact of animal welfare practices in various Asian countries including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and China, there has been significant growth in the commitment of companies to cage-free egg production.

This study highlights the growing awareness and adoption of more ethical and sustainable production systems in the region, reflecting a global movement towards improving the living conditions of production animals. For more details on this research, access the full study here.

The relevant information about Asian countries mentioned on the site includes:

• Taiwan is cited as having a growing commitment to cage-free egg production. Some Taiwanese companies are being highlighted for their commitment to animal welfare by adhering to cage-free production.
• In Japan, there is a growing movement to promote cage-free egg production, with several Japanese companies establishing commitments to eliminate cages in their supply chains.
• South Korea is also mentioned for its initiatives in adopting cage-free production systems, with some South Korean companies demonstrating leadership in the region.
• China is noted for beginning to engage in animal welfare practices, with some Chinese companies being evaluated and showing signs of commitment to cage-free production.
• In the Asian financial market, this issue is already part of important indicators to encourage sustainable systems and protect the reputation of institutions that buy and sell shares.
• Among Asian consumers, the refusal to purchase products that do not consider these concerns is growing. This scenario has led to an increasing demand for animal welfare certification across the region.

What is animal welfare and why is it important?

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), animal welfare is defined as “the physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies.”

This means that farming should allow animals to express their natural behavior throughout their lives and not be exposed to physical or psychological suffering, being well cared for from birth to slaughter.

In the Asian context, this concern is crucial not only for humanitarian reasons but also for its impact on public health, food safety, and long-term economic development.

The implementation of animal welfare practices in countries like Indonesia can positively influence other markets in Asia, expanding the reach of these practices.

What does an animal need for its welfare?

To ensure the welfare of production animals in Asia, it is necessary to provide conditions that favor their development, such as:

• A balanced diet for good nutrition;
• Appropriate conditions for feeding, resting, and movement, avoiding the use of cages;
• Restriction of medications like antibiotics only for treating diseases, not for accelerating growth;
• Respectful handling, promoting positive contact with the animals and avoiding unnecessary situations of stress and fear.

Each species requires specific conditions to develop well, and producers in Asia should seek specific information for their farming practices.

What is animal welfare certification?

Animal welfare certification in Asia is a process that involves adapting production to standards that establish favorable living conditions for animals, with inspections of the facilities. The result is the issuance of a seal that can be used on the packaging of certified products.

In Asia, where awareness of animal welfare is rapidly growing, this certification is a way to align with global and regional trends in animal care. For Asian consumers, it is a guarantee that they are purchasing products from brands that treat animals with dignity.

Why does having an animal welfare seal make a difference?

The animal welfare certification seal brings benefits to both producers and consumers in Asia, from an economic perspective, product quality, and awareness of animal rights. Among the benefits are:

• Improvement in product quality, with better taste, texture, and appearance of meat;
• Reduction in animal mortality;
• Increased resistance of animals to diseases, with less need for medications;
• Lower risk of zoonoses and foodborne diseases.

These benefits increase productivity and efficiency, as well as positively impact the company’s reputation. In Asia, these certification processes allow product differentiation, adding value and opening new markets, such as the emerging cage-free districts.

What do I need to do to obtain the certificate?

The animal welfare certification process is accessible to companies and producers of all sizes in Asia. The required adaptations in farming do not necessarily require large financial investments, and inspection fees are proportional to the size of the production.

The step-by-step process to become a certified brand in Asia is:

1. Preparation: Learn the standards and adjust your facilities. Specific guidelines for Asia are available online.
2. Application: The application can be made in different modalities according to the type of operation. For more information, click here.
3. Inspection: An inspector will conduct an on-site verification of the animal rearing conditions. The report will be analyzed for the issuance of the decision.
4. Decision: If the standards are met, the certification seal will be granted. For adjustments, a conditional certification document will be issued, and after the adaptations, the certificate will be received.