In 2004, Costco initially turned to Hormel Foods for bacon supply but sought a new supplier for pre-cooked bacon specifically due to unmet high standards.
Despite a lack of marketing and a premium price, the co-branded bacon between Kirkland and Hormel was an immediate success, rated the best bacon by Consumer Reports in 2013.
Recently, a Hormel representative denied that Hormel produces Kirkland's bacon, leading to speculation that Smithfield may currently supply it, although confirmation remains pending.
Smithfield Foods, headquartered in Virginia, has been identified as a strong candidate for supplying Costco's bacon due to its status as the largest pork producer globally.
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