New York, NY, USA - June 24, 2024

[Note: video contains subtitles]

In a bold demonstration at the 68th Summer Fancy Food Show, PETA supporters disrupted Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel's keynote speech this morning, demanding an end to the sale of coconut milk allegedly produced using forced monkey labor in Thailand.

Armed with signs proclaiming, “Jason Buechel: Stop Selling Coconut Milk From Tortured Monkeys,” the animal rights advocates confronted Buechel over Whole Foods' continued stocking of Thai coconut milk despite evidence from PETA Asia investigations. These investigations reveal that endangered pig-tailed macaques are captured from the wild, chained, trained under threat, and coerced into picking coconuts.

According to PETA President Ingrid Newkirk, Whole Foods' inaction despite being presented with conclusive evidence of animal abuse undermines the company’s ethical commitments. "Buechel’s failure to act is an appalling betrayal of Whole Foods’ stated values," Newkirk asserted. PETA urges Whole Foods to only source coconut milk from countries where monkey labor is not employed.

Several major companies, including HelloFresh, Purple Carrot, and Performance Food Group, have ceased sourcing coconut milk from Thailand following similar PETA revelations. International corporations like Aldi, ASDA, and Lidl have also taken steps to disassociate from Thai coconut products implicated in animal exploitation.

The controversy underscores growing scrutiny over the ethical practices of global supply chains and the responsibilities of retailers in ensuring animal welfare standards are met.