Pledge to Increase Sales of Poultry, Eggs, and Pig Meat From Less Abusive Suppliers Nets Grocery Chain Praise From Animal Rights Group

For Immediate Release:
January 20, 2009 

Contact:
Matt Prescott 757-622-7382

Charlotte, N.C. -- For its groundbreaking plans to improve conditions for some of the animals who are killed for its stores, Harris Teeter, a subsidiary of Charlotte-based Ruddick Corporation, has won the Most Improved Grocery Chain category in PETA's sixth annual Proggy Awards. Harris Teeter will receive a framed certificate and will be featured on PETA's award-winning Web site PETA.org. PETA's Proggy Awards ("Proggy" is for "progress") recognize animal-friendly achievements in commerce and culture. 

Following discussions with PETA, Harris Teeter, which operates 176 supermarkets in seven states, announced plans in February to increase the amount of poultry it purchases from suppliers that use a less cruel slaughter method known as "controlled-atmosphere killing," as well as the number of "cage-free" eggs it sells. Harris Teeter also agreed to phase-in the sale of pig meat from suppliers that don't use gestation crates--restrictive concrete and metal enclosures that confine pregnant sows.

"Harris Teeter has outdone its national rivals with groundbreaking animal welfare improvements, and we're thrilled to recognize the company's efforts," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "While we wish that shoppers would stick to the great vegetarian items at Harris Teeter, the company should be commended for raising the bar on animal welfare." 

This year, Proggy Awards have gone to producers and marketers of vegan foods, shoes, and cruelty-free personal-care products; an animal-friendly production studio; and a member of Congress. 

For more information and to read about the other Proggy winners, please visit PETA.org.