Label Rouge poultry
The French Label Rouge certification is an official label, established to highlight the finest products in their category on the European market.
- Non-profit
- Owned by the French Ministry of Agriculture
- 66 years
- Highlighting the finest products in their category
- Independent
- Third-party organisations monitor every stage of production, against the official specifications
It guarantees high-quality products, food safety, and excellent animal welfare, where the poultries can express their natural behaviours:
- Small flocks
- Low stocking density
- All-day outdoor access
- Spacious areas with trees and bushes
The primary reason for the exceptional quality of Label Rouge-certified poultries lies in the exclusive use of slow-growing poultry breeds, as opposed to fast-growing types and industrial farming methods. Combined with free-range living conditions, this results in meat that is both flavourful and firm in texture.
Production takes place across various regions of France, each with its own distinct characteristics, or terroirs.
Our finest poultries are recognized by the French tricolour banner in our logo. They come from carefully selected poultry breeders with whom we have a long-standing and trusted partnership.
Animal welfare
Concern for animal welfare is fundamentally embedded in our approach. We are dedicated to collaborating with passionate breeders who adhere to rigorous standards regarding breeding practices, nutrition, and the care afforded to animals.
By the numbers
- 27 g
- Average daily gain — very slow growth
- 81 days
- Minimum breeding period for chickens
- 94 days
- Minimum breeding period for guinea fowl
- 400 m²
- Largest a poultry building may be
- 11 / m²
- Chickens indoors at most, or 13 guinea fowl
- 2 m²+
- Outdoors per animal, and frequently considerably more
- 1 hectare+
- Of outdoor area for one flock of birds
- 5,800
- Trees and shrubs planted for our free-range chickens
- 14,700 m
- Of hedgerows, adapted to the local climate
These natural environments provide numerous advantages for poultry:
- Free-range outdoor exploration
- Shade and coolness during summer
- Safeguarding against wind and weather
- Protection from predators
- Nutritional supplements (seeds, insects, earthworms…)
- Dust baths and plumage care
- Decreased picking behavior
The approved breeds of our Label Rouge free-range poultry are heritage strains that are very slow-growing and well-suited to outdoor farming environments. They are recognized and approved by the European Chicken Commitment (ECC) for their demonstrated commitment to animal welfare.
This extensive breeding process and access to expansive outdoor areas facilitate the harmonious development of muscles and bones, ensuring firm and flavorful poultry meat.
Access to an outdoor area is mandatory for all Label Rouge poultry, throughout the day and irrespective of the season. The poultry are therefore permitted to move freely between the interior of their building and the adjacent outdoor area.
The outdoors should predominantly feature vegetation — trees, hedges, shrubs and copses — planted by experts and adapted to the local climate.
Bees and biodiversity
Bees play an essential role in pollination and the preservation of biodiversity. Our producers are committed to protecting them by adopting sustainable practices.
- Planting local honey plantsAn essential food resource for bees.
- Beehives on outdoor poultry areas
- Training in beekeeping and hive maintenance
- Health monitoring by a veterinarian
Label Rouge free-range poultry
Quality you can taste and trust
Label Rouge certification recognizes and promotes the best products in their category on the European market. Every year, the exceptional flavour of Label Rouge products is confirmed through rigorous sensory testing by accredited laboratories, validating:
- Firm texture
- Juiciness
- Meat that holds naturally to the bone
Thanks to their slow growth, free-range life and cereal-based diet, Label Rouge birds deliver superior nutritional value.
- More protein, less fat
- A better fatty acid balanceSupporting cardiovascular health.
- Rich in minerals and vitaminsPotassium, phosphorus and vitamins A, B3, D & E — for energy, muscles and vitality.
- Less waterLess cooking loss, and more flavour on the plate.