Large pile of brown eggs
Why Are Costco's Cage-Free Eggs Such A Big Deal?

NEWS

By KAILA BROWNER
Kirkland cage-free eggs at Costco.
In 2007, Costco committed to selling 100% cage-free eggs, and it continues to do so as consumers become more concerned with how and where their groceries are sourced.
A closeup of hens at a farm.
The retail giant is working to provide solutions to the changing demands by having the hens from their suppliers undergo a rigorous animal welfare assessment.
Cage free hens at a farm.
The cage-free title means that the hens experienced more humane husbandry practices. They are housed in indoor spaces where they're free to roam.
Eggs in a Costco store.
Costco assesses the welfare of its supplier's hens in five categories: nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state.
Chickens in a farm.
Costco also requires its Kirkland Signature egg supplier to complete an audit using the Costco Hen House app platform. These audits are performed biannually.
A closeup of Kirkland Signature cage free eggs.
The necessary audits and assessments have been helpful when developing a strategy to respond to the slight percentage decrease in the production of cage-free eggs.