Nando's, the popular Peri-Peri chicken chain, has joined a group of major restaurant brands in withdrawing from a key animal welfare commitment, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights groups, even as the company continues to expand its footprint across the UK and found itself unexpectedly name-checked on national television.

Welfare Pledge U-Turn Sparks Controversy

The decision sees Nando's, alongside major players such as KFC, Popeyes, Wingstop, and Wagamama, exit the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC). This pledge requires companies to source slower-growing chicken breeds, aiming to improve animal welfare standards across the industry.

Instead, these eight businesses, which collectively own or franchise 18 prominent restaurant chains, have opted to join the newly formed industry-led Sustainable Chicken Forum (SCF). UKHospitality, an industry body representing some of the companies involved, stated that despite the change, these businesses remain "committed to enhancing their ongoing work across welfare and the environment."

The SCF argues that the BCC's requirement for slower-growing breeds isn't the right framework for future progress on welfare. It suggests that farming these breeds could lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions compared to faster-growing alternatives. The Forum plans to focus on increasing welfare while simultaneously limiting the environmental impact of chicken farming and ensuring supply can meet consumer demand.

An industry source indicated that the UK currently lacks a sufficient supply of slower-growing poultry, contributing to the companies' decision. KFC, a big buyer of UK chicken supply, had already rescinded its commitment to phase out fast-growing birds earlier this year, but the latest move marks a full withdrawal from the BCC.

However, animal welfare organisations have fiercely criticised the move. Connor Jackson, UK chief executive of Anima International, dismissed the companies' explanation as "rubbish," asserting the change was "about money and nothing else." He highlighted "Franken-chickens" as the most severe animal welfare issue in the UK, arguing that farmers would produce more higher-welfare birds if given contracts.

Claire Williams, campaigns manager at The Humane League UK, echoed this sentiment. She stated it was clear that major food companies, with combined worth in the billions, were unwilling to let their profit margins be threatened. Williams labelled the SCF a "welfare-washing, PR-stunt designed to deflect criticism" and allow companies to claim they're doing enough, contrasting it with the BCC, which she said was designed by scientists to help animals.

Mastheads

Still, the British Poultry Council, representing breeders and processors, welcomed the news. Its head, Richard Griffiths, noted that the industry, facing higher production costs and slow planning approvals, didn't need additional financial burdens.

While takeaway chicken shops have proliferated across the UK in recent years, British supermarkets remain the primary purchasers of poultry. Notably, retailers such as M&S and Waitrose, alongside cafe chains Pret and Greggs, have maintained their commitment to the BCC.

Expanding Peri-Peri Presence

Despite the welfare controversy, Nando's continues its expansion plans across the country. The popular chain is eyeing a new site in Portsmouth, with plans submitted to the city council to install its distinctive Barci cockerel sign on a former Bensons for Beds showroom at the Pompey Centre.

The proposed location would see the Peri-Peri chicken restaurant situated in a building already shared with a KFC, potentially creating a big hub for chicken enthusiasts. The planning application details the installation of two externally illuminated fascia signs, one internally illuminated menu board, and the iconic internally illuminated Barci cockerel sign.

Nando's currently operates over 450 restaurants across the UK, with eight locations already established in Hampshire alone, including one at Portsmouth's Gunwharf Quays. At the time of writing, the planning application (reference 26/00167/ADV) had not received any objections, suggesting a smooth path forward for the new outlet.

Wolverhampton's Unexpected Nando's Moment

Nando's also recently gained an unexpected mention on national television, featuring in a humorous exchange on the debut episode of The Claudia Winkleman Show. Actor and musician Jeff Goldblum, whose band, the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, is set to kick off its first UK tour in Wolverhampton later this year, was a guest on the BBC programme.

Winkleman, keen to enlighten Goldblum about his upcoming tour stop, asked the audience if anyone was from Wolverhampton. An audience member named Cory stepped forward to assist. Goldblum admitted he hadn't even looked up the city, explaining that the tour arrangements had been made for him.

When asked for recommendations on where Goldblum should go during his stay, Cory offered a blunt piece of advice: "Jeff, what you should do is you should get off the train in Wolverhampton, immediately get back on and leave Wolverhampton." This prompted laughter from the audience and protests from Winkleman.

Undeterred, Winkleman pressed Cory for a delicious eatery suggestion. His candid reply was, "Wolverhampton is absolutely great. We have a Nando's!" Goldblum, seemingly unfamiliar with the chain, responded with a quizzical "A what?" as the audience chuckled.

Fellow guest Jennifer Saunders then interjected, defending Britain's lesser-known destinations, noting the prevalence of unique attractions like a "pencil museum" or a "moss museum" found while touring. Despite Cory's initial assessment, Wolverhampton does boast several notable landmarks, including the 160-year-old statue of Prince Albert in Queen Square, the Lady Wulfrun statue at St Peter's Church, and statues of Wolves football legends Billy Wright, Stan Cullis, and Sir Jack Hayward at Molineux. And the Black Country Living Museum, a big West Midlands attraction, is less than a half-hour drive from the city centre, offering a rich historical experience for visitors ahead of Goldblum's concert at The Halls on May 28.

Related Articles

The planning application for the new Portsmouth Nando's, which would add to the brand's extensive UK network, remains under review by Portsmouth City Council.

This article was created with AI assistance.