Eggs - The Lakes, UK
Introduction
The Lakes Free Range Egg Company (‘The Lakes’) has around 48,000 free range birds, held over two sites. The birds supply around 14.5 million eggs annually into the packing station (about 10% of the total requirements of the business).
It is good to see our customers taking an active interest in the production systems their suppliers use to produce their raw materials and then promote best practice within their supply base. For our farming operation to be selected as an example of best practice for the McDonald’s Flagship Farms programme is not only an honour personally but recognises the strenuous efforts our whole team has made over a 10-year period.
David Brass
David, the owner, took the decision to contract out a large proportion of the egg production to local farmers, helping local businesses find additional ventures to the traditional beef and sheep production, which fitted within their business structures. David provides advice to local partners on topics from building construction and breeds of birds, to types of disinfectant to use. This bespoke approach helps new suppliers operate effectively from day one. David provides a minimum 14-month contract (the length of one batch of laying hens) to all his producers. In return, he insists that his suppliers work to the same high standards of good practice that he has adopted over the years.
Today there are 38 free-range egg producers supplying the packing station. David and Helen’s commitment and vision to welfare-friendly practices has tapped into a market where a more informed consumer has the welfare of the birds in mind whilst buying eggs. Their business is totally focused on the production and packing of free-range eggs, and it is this commitment that provides the consumer confidence in their product.