A Network of Regional and National Suppliers
Unlike many conventional retailers that might rely on a single, large-scale supplier, Costco sources its eggs from a decentralized network of farms and agricultural cooperatives. This approach allows them to provide regionally sourced eggs, which can reduce transportation costs and carbon footprint. The specific supplier often depends on the geographic location of the warehouse.
For example, Handsome Brook Farms, based in New York, is a significant partner for the Kirkland Signature organic, pasture-raised eggs, working with a network of small farms across the country. In contrast, a 2016 Costco sustainability PDF mentioned various regional suppliers for organic eggs, including Wilcox Farms for the Pacific Northwest, Soncrest Egg Co. in Texas, and Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs in the Northeast. This decentralized model means the journey your eggs took to get to the store can vary greatly depending on where you live.
The Role of Kirkland Signature
Kirkland Signature is not a farm itself but Costco's private label. Under this brand, Costco partners with established producers who meet their quality and volume requirements. For the Kirkland Signature organic eggs, Handsome Brook Farms is a major supplier, noted for its commitment to pasture-raised conditions. These partnerships are crucial for Costco's business model, which promises high-quality products at competitive prices by working directly with manufacturers and farms.
The Evolution of Costco's Egg Sourcing Policy
Costco has publicly committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs and has made substantial progress toward this goal. This commitment is a response to both consumer demand and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. The transition, however, has not been immediate and the company has acknowledged that full implementation may take years in some regions due to supplier capacity issues.
Lists of suppliers change over time, and a supplier for one variety of eggs may not be the same for another. For instance, while Handsome Brook Farms is noted for organic, pasture-raised eggs, other suppliers may provide the conventional, large cage-free eggs. Past incidents, such as a salmonella recall involving Handsome Brook Farms eggs in early 2025, highlight the dynamic nature of this supply chain and the importance of monitoring food safety.
Understanding Different Egg Labels
When shopping for eggs at Costco, you'll encounter different labels that signify distinct housing and welfare standards. Knowing what these labels mean is key to making an informed choice. Here's a comparison:
| Certification | Meaning | Typical Conditions | Notable Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cage-Free | Hens are not confined to cages but are typically housed in large barns or aviaries with unrestricted movement. | Can be crowded and have limited access to natural light or outdoors. Certified Humane standard requires specific space and enrichment. | Multiple, including Wilcox Farms for some varieties. |
| Free-Range | Hens are housed in a building but have some access to an outdoor area. | The size, quality, and duration of outdoor access can vary widely depending on the certification program. | Wilcox Farms once supplied free-range organic eggs. |
| Pasture-Raised | Hens spend a significant amount of time outdoors on pasture, with access to a barn for shelter. | Higher standard of welfare, with specific requirements for outdoor space per hen (e.g., American Humane Certified). | Handsome Brook Farms for Kirkland Signature Organic. |
| Organic | The hens' feed is 100% organic and non-GMO. | Can overlap with cage-free, free-range, or pasture-raised depending on the product. | Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs (Northeast). |
The Impact of Local and Global Factors
External factors, such as the 2022 bird flu outbreak and resulting egg shortages, significantly impact Costco's supply chain. These large-scale events can force changes in sourcing and potentially lead to temporary purchase limits for consumers. The company's reliance on a diverse network of farms helps mitigate some of these risks, but it is not immune to them. The decision to invest heavily in its own chicken production facility in Nebraska for rotisserie chickens shows a strategy to vertically integrate certain parts of its meat supply, but egg sourcing remains a distributed model.
Handsome Brook Farms is a key partner for Costco's organic, pasture-raised eggs, operating with a network of family farms to meet consumer demand for ethically sourced products. This highlights the company's dual approach: maintaining large-scale, efficient sourcing while also incorporating higher-welfare, smaller-farm networks for premium product lines.
Conclusion: A Complex and Evolving Supply Chain
In summary, there is no single answer to where Costco gets their eggs. The source is a complex and dynamic network of national and regional suppliers that varies based on location and the specific type of egg product. For Kirkland Signature organic and pasture-raised eggs, major suppliers like Handsome Brook Farms play a crucial role. Meanwhile, other regional producers fill the demand for conventional and cage-free eggs across different parts of the country. Costco's ongoing commitment to transition to a 100% cage-free supply highlights its responsiveness to ethical considerations, though the timeline for this transition can vary globally. By leveraging a decentralized supply chain, Costco balances its need for large volume with consumer demand for transparency and animal welfare, ensuring a diverse range of egg options for its members.
Regional Egg Suppliers
Northeast
- Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs: Located in Monroe, New Hampshire, partnering with small family farms for organic eggs.
Midwest
- Herbruck's Poultry Ranch: Based in Saranac, Michigan, a long-standing family operation.
- Nature Pure LLC: Run by the Lausecker family in Raymond, Ohio.
Texas
- Soncrest Egg Co.: A third-generation family business in Gonzales, Texas.
Pacific Northwest
- Wilcox Farms: A historic family farm, once a key supplier for cage-free organic eggs.
Sustainability Efforts
Costco also engages with suppliers to measure and mitigate the carbon footprint of its egg production. Initiatives with organic suppliers have resulted in measurable reductions in per-case emissions, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship alongside animal welfare. These efforts contribute to the overall sustainability story of how Costco sources and sells its egg products.
