HONG KONG - Hong Kong-based Ovolo Hotels has announced a new policy to purchase only cage-free eggs for all of its global properties, which are located in Hong Kong and Australia, by the end of March. Even though the hospitality industry has been severely impacted by the ongoing global outbreak of COVID-19, Ovolo has remained committed to improving food safety and animal welfare in its supply chain. The company is the fourth Hong Kong-based hotel chain to commit to using only cage-free eggs worldwide; it joins Langham Hotels, Peninsula Hotels, and Mandarin Oriental, each of which has committed to using only cage-free eggs globally by 2025.

"As a continuation of our commitment to sustainable sourcing and being both eco- and health- conscious, Ovolo Hotels is committing to purchasing only cage-free eggs. This is yet another step in the right direction and falls perfectly in line with our goals for our Year of the Veg initiative. As we move forward, we will continue to strive for ways to improve and make decisions that contribute a real and positive impact on the world," said Juan Gimenez, Ovolo Hotel's F&B Manager.

"We applaud Ovolo Hotels' decision to switch to purchasing only cage-free eggs, which will help to protect animal welfare and ensure food safety," said Lily Tse, Program Manager of Lever Foundation, an NGO that worked with Ovolo on the issue. "Shifting to cage-free eggs has a minimal impact on total meal costs while ensuring high quality and sustainability. As a result, the number of leading hospitality and food companies pledging to use only cage-free eggs has grown significantly, and we applaud Ovolo Hotels for joining that group. We encourage other local hotels and food companies to catch up with this industry-wide trend toward cage-free eggs."

With nearly all leading hospitality brands and hundreds of other food companies committed to purchasing only cage-free eggs, the egg industry is rapidly increasing production of such eggs to meet the growing demand. An increasing number of international hospitality brands with operations in Hong Kong have joined the cage-free egg movement, including Langham Hotels, Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula Hotels, Four Seasons, Marriott, InterContinental, Wyndham, Hilton, Choice Hotels, Hyatt, and many others.

Eggs produced in "battery cage" systems pose a significant food safety risk to human health and cause severe animal cruelty. A number of animal protection organizations, including the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, have condemned the use of cages for egg laying hens for the intense suffering they cause. More than 30 countries have banned the use of battery cages in the egg industry.

About Lever Foundation

The Lever Foundation is an international animal protection NGO working with leading food companies in Hong Kong and across the Asia Pacific region to help companies improve animal welfare and supply chain sustainability, with a particular focus on cage-free eggs.

About Ovolo Hotels

The Ovolo Group was founded by entrepreneur Girish Jhunjhnuwala and first entered the real estate market in 2002; then further expanded into the hotel industry in 2010. Ovolo Hotels quickly became one of Hong Kong and Australia's most dynamic independent owner operated hospitality firms, growing into a diversified international group with a collection of 9 designer hotels under 2 collections - Ovolo and Mamaka, and plans to keep growing. Ovolo owns and operates all of its real estate.

The company prides itself on being in touch with the modern traveller through award-winning interior designs, detail-driven comforts, complimentary value-added services, with cutting-edge technology. Ovolo Hotels have been acknowledged for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, receiving the accolade "Hotel Brand of the Year", at the 2019, 2020 and 2022 HM Awards.

A proud Hong Kong brand, Ovolo Group remains a family-owned and privately-operated business operating three hotels and three restaurants in Hong Kong, and five and six bars & restaurants across Australia in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane.

Ovolo also has the By Ovolo Collective within its portfolio of hotels, a distinctive collection of four hotels each one unique, each one special, the more guests explore, the more they'll find. These include Laneways By Ovolo in Melbourne Australia, Nishi Apartments in Canberra Australia, Southside By Ovolo and The Aberdeen Harbour in Hong Kong, and Mamaka Kuta Beach in Bali Indonesia.

Ovolo acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we are located. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.

Visit www.ovolohotels.com.