Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that can make any morning better. And when it comes to buying bacon, Costco’s Kirkland brand is a popular choice for many shoppers.
But have you ever wondered who produces this delicious bacon?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the supplier behind Kirkland’s bacon and how Costco ensures that their bacon meets their high standards of quality.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn more about the bacon you love to eat.
Who Produces Kirkland Bacon?
Costco’s Kirkland brand is known for its high-quality products, and their bacon is no exception. The supplier behind Kirkland’s bacon is Hormel, a well-known food company that has been in business for over 125 years.
Costco’s corporate buyer, Sarah George, visited 10 different bacon plants before deciding on Hormel as their supplier. Unable to find a precooked bacon of high enough quality, Costco turned to Hormel to create a product that met their standards.
The resulting product was co-branded Hormel and sold under the Kirkland name. While Hormel already makes a precooked bacon, Costco’s version is sliced thicker to give it a more substantial appearance on the plate.
Introduction To Kirkland Bacon
Kirkland bacon is a popular product sold exclusively at Costco stores, and it is known for its high quality and delicious taste. The bacon is available in several different varieties, but the hickory-smoked, pre-cooked bacon is particularly popular among customers. This product is made by Hormel, a well-known food company that has been in business for over a century.
Costco’s corporate buyer, Sarah George, personally visited multiple bacon plants in search of a high-quality precooked bacon that met the store’s standards. When she was unable to find what she was looking for, she turned to Hormel to create a product specifically for Costco. The resulting bacon was co-branded Hormel and sold under the Kirkland name.
One of the unique features of Kirkland’s pre-cooked bacon is that it is sliced thicker than Hormel’s preexisting product. This was done to give the bacon a more substantial appearance on the plate. The taste and appearance of the bacon were both approved by a panel of judges, and it has since become a popular item among Costco shoppers.
Who Is The Supplier Behind Kirkland Bacon?
As mentioned above, Hormel is the supplier behind Kirkland’s bacon. Hormel is a well-known food company that has been in business for over 125 years and is the manufacturer of several other food products, including their own precooked bacon.
Costco’s corporate buyer, Sarah George, approached Hormel after visiting 10 different bacon plants and being unable to find a precooked bacon of high enough quality to meet Costco’s standards. Hormel was able to create a product that met Costco’s needs and was co-branded with the Kirkland name.
The resulting product is a hickory-smoked, pre-cooked bacon that is sliced thicker than Hormel’s pre-existing product. The thicker slices were designed to give the bacon a more substantial appearance on the plate. Overall, Kirkland’s bacon is a high-quality product that meets Costco’s standards and is produced by a trusted and well-established food company.
Quality Standards For Kirkland Bacon
Costco’s Kirkland bacon is known for its exceptional taste and quality. According to Consumer Reports, Kirkland’s bacon is better than most, if not all, competitor products, including well-known brands like Oscar Mayer and Trader Joe’s. The bacon has been dubbed “excellent” and consistently crisps up nicely with balanced fat and meat flavors complemented by wood smoke and a hint of sweetness.
Kirkland’s bacon is produced by Hormel, a reputable food company that has been in business for over 125 years. Costco’s corporate buyer, Sarah George, visited 10 different bacon plants before deciding on Hormel as their supplier. Hormel worked closely with Costco to create a precooked bacon that met their rigorous quality standards.
Costco’s version of the precooked bacon is sliced thicker than Hormel’s original product to give it a more substantial appearance on the plate. The quality standards for Kirkland bacon are high, ensuring that customers receive a product that is not only affordable but also of exceptional quality.
How Costco Ensures Quality Control For Their Bacon
Costco is committed to providing high-quality products to its customers, and their bacon is no exception. To ensure the quality of their bacon, Costco has implemented several measures to maintain quality control.
Firstly, Costco works closely with their suppliers to ensure that they meet the company’s strict standards. Hormel, the supplier of Kirkland bacon, is a well-established food company that has a reputation for producing high-quality products. Costco’s corporate buyer Sarah George worked closely with Hormel to create a product that met their standards, resulting in the co-branded Hormel bacon sold under the Kirkland name.
Additionally, Costco’s Pork Quality Assurance Program ensures that the pigs used for their bacon are raised and treated in a humane manner. The program addresses pig food safety and quality, animal well-being, workers’ safety, and the general public and community health. Costco’s pork is also antibiotics-free, as the company has an agreement with its suppliers that prohibits using antibiotics for growth promotion.
Furthermore, Costco ensures that their bacon is packaged and stored appropriately to maintain its quality. The bacon is merchandised in display-ready boxes in stand-up coolers, next to milk and eggs. This helps to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage.
What Makes Kirkland Bacon Stand Out?
Kirkland bacon stands out for its high quality and taste. Consumer Reports rated Kirkland Signature bacon as the only excellent product in a taste test of different bacon brands. The bacon crisps up nicely and consistently has balanced fat and meat flavors complemented by wood smoke and a hint of sweetness. It is also noteworthy that Kirkland bacon does not shrink after cooking like regular bacon, making it a great value for its price.
Additionally, Kirkland’s bacon crumbles are made from real bacon, giving them a fresh taste and texture that is different from other brands that use fake, powdery bits. These bacon crumbles are versatile and can be used to add real bacon flavor to various dishes like baked potatoes and eggs.
Conclusion: Enjoying Kirkland Bacon With Confidence
If you’re a bacon lover, you can enjoy Kirkland’s bacon with confidence knowing that it is produced by Hormel, a reputable and established food company. Costco’s commitment to high-quality products is evident in their decision to visit 10 different bacon plants before choosing Hormel as their supplier. The resulting product is not only delicious but also sliced thicker to give it a more substantial appearance on the plate. Whether you prefer regular or thick-sliced bacon, Kirkland’s bacon is an excellent choice for both taste and value. So next time you’re at Costco, be sure to grab a pack of Kirkland’s bacon and enjoy it with confidence!
