Introduction
Costco has been a leader in the retail industry for many years, and in 2022 they sold even more rotisserie chickens than ever before. This is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing quality products at an affordable price. The rotisserie chickens are a popular item among customers, and the increased sales in 2022 demonstrate the continued demand for this product. Costco has also taken steps to ensure that their chickens are raised in a humane and sustainable manner, making them a great choice for those looking for a healthy and ethical option. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Costco’s success in selling more rotisserie chickens in 2022 and the benefits that this has for customers.
Costco Sold Even More Rotisserie Chickens in 2022
Costco has sold more rotisserie chickens than ever before in 2022. According to the company, they sold over 87 million rotisserie chickens in the first quarter of the year, a 10% increase from the same period in 2021. This is the highest number of rotisserie chickens sold in a single quarter in the company’s history.
The increase in rotisserie chicken sales is attributed to the company’s focus on convenience and value. Costco has been offering larger packages of rotisserie chickens at a lower price, making them an attractive option for customers. Additionally, the company has been expanding its delivery and pickup options, making it easier for customers to get their rotisserie chicken fix.
Costco’s rotisserie chickens have become a staple in many households. The company’s chickens are known for their juicy, flavorful meat and crispy skin. They are also a great source of protein and are low in fat and calories. With the increase in sales, it’s clear that customers are loving Costco’s rotisserie chickens.
Costco’s success with rotisserie chickens is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing quality products at an affordable price. As the company continues to expand its offerings, it’s likely that rotisserie chicken sales will continue to rise in the coming years.
Celebrity chef David Chang is “not a fan,” but plenty of other people are still gobbling up Costco’s legendary rotisserie chickens.
As America’s largest warehouse club continues to grow—now up to 847 locations worldwide and counting—so does its output of the slow-cooked poultry, which Costco CEO Craig Jelinek recently described as “our old reliable.”
The popular deli department standby has remained stubbornly low-priced at just $4.99 for well over a decade now, despite speculation that soaring food costs and other pressures would inevitably prompt an uptick in the price tag.
Costco officials previously said they are “consciously” leaving the price fixed at the same bargain-basement rate to keep customers happy and foot traffic steady. The idea is that shoppers who come in for the cheap chicken usually end up buying a lot of other things, too. That’s why the popular poultry is typically kept all the way in the back of the store.
Since 2020, Costco has sold over 100 million rotisserie chickens annually. A big reason for the high production is the company’s move to bring much of its chicken supply chain in-house, opening a 432-acre poultry plant in Nebraska, which is reportedly capable of processing two million birds weekly.
The same facility has also produced its fair share of controversy for the company, after an undercover investigator from an animal rights group discovered chickens living under allegedly inhumane conditions at the plant.
Those findings led to some rather unappetizing coverage in The New York Times and eventually a lawsuit brought by two of Costco’s own shareholders. An online petition calling on Costco to adopt better chicken welfare standards has since garnered over 125,000 signatures.
Costco’s in-house chicken production also took a hit last year from an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, which prompted the company to euthanize some 500,000 birds at its Nebraska plant.
Yet, despite all these pressures, Costco continues to crank out its trademark deli item in record numbers. During its annual shareholders meeting last week, Costco announced that it sold a whopping 117 million rotisserie chickens in 2022—that’s about 11 million more than the prior year, an increase of about 10%.
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Chris Shott