Costco Adds Irish Supplier For Kirkland Butter
The retailer has expanded its supply chain to include a dairy co-op in Ireland.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Organic Food
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Costco has entered into a new contract with the Irish dairy co-op Tirlán to produce its Kirkland Signature grass-fed butter. The product was previously sourced exclusively from New Zealand.
Why it matters
The change reflects rising market demand for private-label grass-fed dairy products. Tirlán also manufactures its own Truly Grass Fed brand and acts as a supplier for Kerrygold manufacturer Ornua.
U.S. per capita butter consumption reached 6.8 pounds in 2024, continuing a 25-year upward trend. The expanded Kirkland Signature production now originates from both Ireland and New Zealand.
The players
Costco
Costco is a multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only big-box retail stores.
Tirlán
Tirlán is a major Irish dairy co-op that manufactures various butter products and operates international supply chains.
Ornua
Ornua is an Irish dairy cooperative best known as the manufacturer and global marketer of the Kerrygold butter brand.
The details
Shoppers may notice that the product packaging for Kirkland Signature grass-fed butter no longer features tablespoon measurement marks. Tirlán is now manufacturing the butter alongside its existing operations for the Truly Grass Fed brand and its supply role for Kerrygold producer Ornua.
Timeline
2024: U.S. butter consumption reached 6.8 pounds per capita.
October 2026: The shift in the Kirkland butter supply chain was reported.
Culture Shift
Costco's supply expansion follows the 25-year trend of rising butter consumption in the U.S. by securing more inventory to meet growing demand. This move highlights how private-label brands are increasingly mimicking the prestige and sourcing origins of premium, grass-fed labels.
Consumers should be aware that the Kirkland Signature grass-fed butter no longer features tablespoon measurement marks on the packaging. This change in manufacturing format may require users to rely on alternative methods for portioning butter in the kitchen.
The takeaway
The addition of Irish production to the Kirkland Signature supply line indicates that retailers are prioritizing consistent inventory levels for popular dairy goods. Readers can check their product labels to see the specific country of origin, as current inventory may feature either New Zealand or Irish butter.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving standards of dairy, visit our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Takeout.
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