Costco sources its American Wagyu beef through the Imperial American Wagyu Beef program, utilizing specific JBS USA processing facilities for different cuts.
The procurement process ensures that the beef meets the high standards of the Imperial American Wagyu Beef program, a premium line of products available at select Costco locations. This program focuses on delivering quality Wagyu beef, known for its marbling and flavor.
Processing and Supply Chain
The journey of American Wagyu beef from the farm to Costco shelves involves specialized processing locations depending on the final product form. This strategic approach maximizes the utilization of each animal, ensuring efficiency and quality across the beef program.
Here's a breakdown of the processing locations:
| Product Type | Processing Facility | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Muscle Beef | JBS USA Regional Beef plant | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Ground Beef | JBS USA production facility | Tolleson, Arizona |
Cattle that qualify for the Imperial American Wagyu Beef program are processed at the JBS USA Regional Beef plant in Omaha, Nebraska, for whole muscle cuts. This includes popular steaks and roasts that are merchandised in Costco stores. For ground beef products under the same program, the production occurs at a separate facility in Tolleson, Arizona. This dual-location strategy helps streamline production and distribution for various product formats.
JBS USA is a major global food company, and its involvement in the Imperial American Wagyu Beef program underscores the scale and sophistication of the supply chain that brings these specialty meats to consumers. You can learn more about JBS USA and its operations at JBS Foods Group.
This meticulous approach to sourcing and processing ensures that Costco maintains the quality and consistency of its American Wagyu beef offerings, from premium cuts to ground beef.
