Where Does Costco Chicken Come From?
Costco warehouse chickens come from Costco’s own chick farm and processing facility in Nebraska, which they opened in 2018. Costco was rumored to have previously used producers like Perdue, Pilgrim’s Pride, and Sanderson Farms for their chickens, but Costco decided to open their own facility to lower prices.
Where Does Costco Get Their Chickens?
Previously, it was rumored by some Reddit users (though not confirmed) that Costco was relying on major meat producers like Perdue, Pilgrim’s Pride, Koch Foods, Sanderson Farms, and Tyson for their chicken products.
However, as of 2018, Costco decided to open its own chicken farm and processing plant in Nebraska to keep up with the demand. This facility is responsible for processing chickens from Nebraska and Iowa.
This in-company operation allows Costco to save costs while ensuring a quality standard for their meat.
And because the Midwest has plentiful corn supplies for chicken feed, the Nebraskan location is a crucial consideration.
Where Does Costco’s Organic Chicken Come From?
Costco’s organic chicken, including the store’s own personal Kirkland Signature organic chicken, comes from their personal farm and processing facility in Nebraska.
Per U.S. regulations on organic meats and poultry, Costco does not use antibiotics or hormones in their organic chickens and provides them with adequate space to grow.
What Is Costco’s Chicken Farm and Processing Facility Like?
Costco’s chicken facility is located in Fremont, Nebraska, as a vertically integrated plant that has supplied the company’s poultry needs since 2018.
The design of buildings, equipment, and chicken handling programs are all designed to keep animal welfare as the key component of all operations.
This setup includes hatcheries, grower barns, feed mills, and a processing facility, along with shipping operations to distribute the poultry to Costco warehouses around the country.
Costco’s poultry facility incorporates humane procedures, such as the following:
- Controlled atmosphere systems
- Humane Apollo Gen 2 automatic harvesters
- Limited stocking density to address space concerns
- Protected lairage areas
- Transport with trailer curtains for shelter
- Tunnel ventilation to improve barn air quality
Is Costco’s Chicken Source Ethical?
Given that any mass production of poultry can be seen as unethical, Costco does try to keep its chicken market as ethical and regulated as possible.
Because of this, Costco requires animal welfare audits in its chicken farm and processing facility, including American Humane, Certified Humane, and UEP audits.
Additionally, according to Costco’s animal welfare standards, all guidelines recommended by the National Chicken Council are followed in the facility, and the latest humane processing technology is implemented.
Is Costco Chicken Good Quality?
Costco meat quality tends to be as good as any other large superstore and customers do enjoy their meat selections and pre-cooked rotisserie chickens.
Also, most Costco poultry does have the advantage of being prepared for cooking styles before packaging, so you don’t have to dice, fillet, or spatchcock your chicken products, which is another reason why customers love Costco chickens!
What Kinds Of Chicken Does Costco Sell?
Costco offers raw and cooked chicken products in its warehouses. Raw chicken products come in a variety of cuts and prepared cooking styles, including whole, filleted, deboned, spatchcocked, and more.
Costco’s cooked chicken selections are also popular with customers, including whole rotisserie chickens, wings and thighs, breasts, and more.
Ian Colbeck is a writer for Costco Food Database. Born in Seattle and living in Salt Lake City. Ian enjoys everything outdoors.