Nestlé SA said July 26 that it collaborated with six other food companies to form the Global Coalition for Animal Welfare, which aims to improve animal welfare standards in the global food supply chain.

The coalition will unite major companies and animal welfare experts to address barriers to change, share best practices, and accelerate the developments of standards and progress on key welfare issues. Nestlé is working with Unilever PLC, Aramark Corp., Compass Group PLC, Sodexo SA, Elior Group SA and Ikea Food Services on the initiative, according to FoodBev Media.

The alliance expects to publish an action plan in the first half of 2019 that would focus on cage-free policies and improved broiler chicken welfare.

The Swiss food and beverage giant said its involvement with the Global Coalition for Animal Welfare builds on its existing commitment to improving farm animal welfare across its global supply chains.

Earlier this month, Nestlé, along with other food and beverage makers, also formed a food policy alliance in the U.S.