Under Julia’s watch,
animals are subjected to extreme cruelty.
*Image representative of battery cage facility.
Is Julia Vander Ploeg Neglecting Animal Cruelty Concerns?
Julia Vander Ploeg is a Board Director with Ahold Delhaize, a supermarket conglomerate known for its U.S. chains Giant, Stop & Shop, Hannaford, and Food Lion.
Under Julia’s leadership, Ahold Delhaize is neglecting a serious animal cruelty issue. 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. 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 Julia to take a stand against this cruelty.
Julia’s affiliations would be wise to distance themselves.
Julia is a career executive, formerly holding positions with Hyatt, Volvo, and McDonald’s. She now sits on the board of Extra Space Storage and Neighborly, is an advisor with McKinsey & Company, and holds an adjunct professor role with Northwestern University.
Standing with Julia means ignoring concerns of animal cruelty. These companies have been informed of Julia’s failure to act responsibly as a director with Ahold Delhaize. Now it’s time for them to speak out publicly, condemn these practices, and distance themselves from Julia’s irresponsible leadership.
Julia’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.
*Image representative of battery cage facility