Bacon lovers, unite!
If you’re a fan of Costco’s Kirkland brand, you may have wondered who is behind the delicious bacon that graces your breakfast plate.
While most of Kirkland’s bacon is marketed under their own brand, there is one exception that may surprise you.
In this article, we’ll explore the story behind Kirkland’s hickory-smoked, pre-cooked bacon and the company that produces it.
Get ready to learn about the quest for the perfect bacon and how one supplier rose to the challenge.
Who Makes Kirkland Bacon?
Costco’s Kirkland brand is known for its high-quality products at affordable prices, and their bacon is no exception. But who is responsible for producing this delicious breakfast staple?
The answer may surprise you. While most of Kirkland’s bacon is marketed under their own brand, the hickory-smoked, pre-cooked bacon is actually made by Hormel.
According to Costco corporate buyer Sarah George, the decision to work with Hormel for this product came after an extensive search for an appropriate bacon supplier that met Costco’s high standards. When she couldn’t find a bacon that met their needs, she reached out to Hormel and asked them to manufacture a product specifically for Costco.
This pre-cooked bacon is different from Hormel’s preexisting product in that it’s sliced a bit thicker. “It was designed to be big enough so that it looked like a real piece of bacon on the plate,” George said. And the panel approved.
While some may be surprised that Kirkland’s bacon is not entirely produced under their own brand, it’s clear that Costco’s commitment to quality and taste is unwavering.
The Quest For The Perfect Bacon
Costco’s dedication to providing high-quality products at affordable prices extends to their bacon selection. The quest for the perfect bacon led Costco’s corporate buyer, Sarah George, on a search for a supplier that met their strict standards. After an extensive search, she found that most of Kirkland’s bacon could be marketed under their own brand, but the hickory-smoked, pre-cooked bacon required a different approach.
George reached out to Hormel, a well-known meat producer, and asked them to manufacture a product specifically for Costco. This pre-cooked bacon is unique in that it is sliced thicker than Hormel’s preexisting product, making it look like a real piece of bacon on the plate. The panel approved of the product, and it has become a staple in Costco’s bacon selection.
Costco’s commitment to quality and taste is evident in their bacon selection. While some may be surprised that Kirkland’s bacon is not entirely produced under their own brand, it’s clear that they have gone to great lengths to find the perfect supplier for their pre-cooked bacon. The result is a delicious and affordable breakfast staple that customers can’t get enough of.
Kirkland’s Bacon: A Brand Overview
Kirkland’s bacon is a popular breakfast item that is known for its delicious taste and affordable price. Costco’s Kirkland brand has been a household name for over two decades and has built a reputation for providing high-quality products at unbeatable prices. Kirkland’s bacon is no exception, and it has become a favorite among bacon lovers.
While most of Kirkland’s bacon is marketed under their own brand, the hickory-smoked, pre-cooked bacon is actually made by Hormel. This bacon was created specifically for Costco after an extensive search for an appropriate bacon supplier that met their high standards. The resulting product was co-branded Hormel and was designed to be thick-sliced so that it looked like a real piece of bacon on the plate.
Kirkland’s bacon has received rave reviews from Consumer Reports, which noted that it was the only excellent product among the different bacon brands they tested. The bacon crisps up nicely and consistently has balanced fat and meat flavors complemented by wood smoke and a hint of sweetness. The other pork bacons were close in quality and very good overall.
Costco’s commitment to quality and taste is evident in their Kirkland brand, and their bacon is no exception. While some may be surprised that Kirkland’s bacon is not entirely produced under their own brand, it’s clear that they have partnered with Hormel to create a delicious product that meets their high standards. So next time you’re at Costco, be sure to pick up some Kirkland bacon for a tasty and affordable breakfast option.
The Supplier: A Closer Look
Costco’s search for the perfect bacon supplier was not an easy one. Corporate buyer Sarah George visited 10 bacon plants before finally settling on Hormel to produce their pre-cooked bacon. The decision to work with Hormel was made after Costco was unable to find a precooked bacon of high enough quality that met their standards.
Hormel already had a pre-cooked bacon product, but Costco’s version is sliced thicker, making it look more like a real piece of bacon on the plate. This thicker slice was crucial for Costco as they wanted their bacon to be plate-ready and look like a premium product.
The resulting product was co-branded Hormel and introduced in June 2004 in a 1-pound package that sells for $8.99. The taste and appearance of the bacon impressed the panelists, with one of them saying that it tasted as if it had just been cooked from raw bacon.
Costco’s commitment to quality and taste is evident in their search for the perfect bacon supplier. While the hickory-smoked, pre-cooked bacon is produced by Hormel, it still meets Costco’s high standards and has become a popular product among customers.
The Production Process
The production process for Kirkland’s pre-cooked bacon involves a joint operation with Hormel. Costco’s corporate buyer, Sarah George, worked closely with Hormel to develop a product that met Costco’s high standards. After an extensive search for a bacon supplier that could deliver the quality they required, George reached out to Hormel and asked them to manufacture a product specifically for Costco.
The pre-cooked bacon is made using hickory smoke, giving it a delicious flavor that customers love. The bacon is sliced thicker than Hormel’s pre-existing product, making it look more like a real piece of bacon on the plate. This attention to detail is what sets Costco apart from other retailers – they are committed to delivering products that not only taste great but also look great.
Once the bacon is produced, it is packaged in a 1-pound package and sold at Costco stores across the country. The bacon is merchandised in display-ready boxes in stand-up coolers, next to the milk and eggs.
The Kirkland Signature Bacon Crumbles are also made from real bacon and are produced by another supplier. These crumbles come in different shapes, sizes, and textures, adding real bacon flavor to dishes like baked potatoes and eggs.
Quality Control And Standards
Costco is known for its commitment to animal welfare and sustainability, and this extends to their bacon production as well. The company applies the same animal welfare standards to their bacon as they do to all of their meat and dairy products, supporting the Five Freedoms of animal wellbeing. These freedoms include freedom from fear, discomfort, thirst and hunger, the freedom to exhibit natural behavior, and freedom from fear and suffering.
To ensure that these standards are met, Costco relies on trained auditors who monitor their suppliers’ compliance with these criteria, as well as the controlled use of antibiotics. This ensures that the bacon produced under Kirkland’s brand is not only delicious but also meets high ethical and environmental standards.
In addition to animal welfare, Costco also has a history of taking a stand on environmental issues. In 2015, they made a commitment not to sell GMO salmon or caged eggs, which spurred similar commitments by smaller retailers and changed the market demand in one fell swoop due to the sheer volume of merchandise moved by Costco.