The Co-op Group has announced that all its own-brand fresh pork, bacon, sausage, gammon and ham will be sourced from British outdoor, RSPCA Assured farms.
The measures, announced in March, means all pigs in its producer group will be born outdoors and raised in ventilated, spacious straw barns to strict welfare standards.
Compassion in World Farming has given the Group its Good Pig Award in recognition of the policy.
Jo Whitfield, chief executive of Co-op Food, said: “The highest animal welfare standards should not just be the preserve of top-tier products and we want to ensure that the very best quality British pork is available at everyday affordable prices.
“We will be working hard with innovative and passionate British farmers who share our principles, to provide exceptional quality pork produce with a conscience.”
The policy follows last year’s $1bn investment by the Group in British agriculture, with a commitment to sourcing home-grown meat and fresh produce. All Co-op-branded fresh meat is now 100% British.
