Costco Changes Kirkland Grass-Fed Butter Sourcing
Costco now sources grass-fed butter from Ireland and New Zealand, with packaging updates removing measurement guides.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Organic Food
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Costco has expanded the sourcing for its Kirkland Signature grass-fed butter to include Ireland alongside its established New Zealand supply chain. This supply adjustment involves the Irish dairy cooperative Tirlán and coincides with a change to the product packaging.
Why it matters
The move reflects growing consumer interest in grass-fed dairy products, a category that has gained traction as U.S. butter consumption maintains a decades-long upward trend. Understanding these sourcing changes helps shoppers track the origin and manufacturing standards of their staple groceries.
U.S. butter consumption reached 6.8 pounds per capita in 2024, continuing a 25-year trend of rising intake. While the consumption figures are well-documented, the exact production balance between Kirkland Signature's Irish and New Zealand facilities remains proprietary.
The players
Costco
A global membership-based warehouse club retailer known for its private-label Kirkland Signature brand.
Tirlán
An Irish dairy cooperative that processes and supplies grass-fed butter to private-label and commercial brands.
Ornua
A major Irish dairy co-op and the manufacturer of the internationally recognized Kerrygold brand.
The details
Costco partnered with the Irish dairy co-op Tirlán to diversify its supply chain for private-label grass-fed butter. Tirlán is a known dairy manufacturer that also produces the Truly Grass Fed brand and acts as a supplier for Ornua, the company behind Kerrygold. As part of this production expansion, the Kirkland Signature butter packaging has been updated and no longer includes tablespoon measurement markings.
Timeline
2024: U.S. butter consumption reached 6.8 pounds per capita.
October 2026: News reports confirm the change in Kirkland butter suppliers.
Health Landscape
The expansion of Kirkland Signature sourcing aligns with a 25-year trend of rising butter consumption in the United States. This shift highlights how private-label retailers are adapting their supply chains to meet ongoing market demand for grass-fed dairy options.
Shoppers who rely on the tablespoon measurement markings on butter wrappers will need to adjust their kitchen prep, as these are no longer included on the new packaging. If you prefer butter sourced from specific regions for dietary or environmental reasons, check the product label for the origin country.
The takeaway
The addition of Irish production to the Kirkland Signature supply chain reflects a broader shift toward sourcing premium grass-fed dairy. Consumers should note the loss of measurement markings on new packaging and use separate kitchen tools for accurate portioning.
Further reading
Learn more about sourcing standards and quality labels in our Organic Food section.
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