4 replies to this topic

[verino98]

Hi,

here's the question:

To become a Costco Supplier (not their Private Label, e.g KIRKLAND) is it necessary to have Costco food safety audit or GFSI-like certification (plus addendum)? 

As we are set to open a new facility with any type of certification, on day 1 of production can we sell (our own brand) to Costco?

 

I know the "Food Safety Audit Expectations for Costco Suppliers", but I'm wondering if those requirements apply only to Costco Supplier which manufacture products under their brand KIRKLAND.

 

Thank you

[jfrey123]

To my knowledge, you absolutely have to have a GFSI audit just to sell to them (and some schemes don't go far enough for Costco's liking, requiring an additional addendum).  I've heard people were able to get their foot in the door as a newer company and be taken "under their wing" so to speak for a probationary period, Costco would audit you themselves while you build up for a GFSI audit.  Sadly I think that's much less likely to occur these days.  I've never been involved with customer service or business development, so that's outside my scope of experience, but I'd reckon the route to success would be to get established with smaller customers or direct to consumer sales, get your facility certified, and then start chasing the bigger retail fish.  Most retailers these days won't talk to you without a GFSI audit for your facility.

[Scampi]

Costco used to make adjustments for small producers , but I don't know if the still do

The supplier expectations if for ALL suppliers, not just private label manufactures

[mollybri]

Produce facility that is certified SQF Edition 9. 

 

We are required to conduct a Costco addendum with our annual SQF renewal, and our GFSI audit is required to be unannounced each year. Not sure what product you would be supplying to them, but their requirements are stringent. 

[Bojan75]

Produce facility that is certified SQF Edition 9. 

 

We are required to conduct a Costco addendum with our annual SQF renewal, and our GFSI audit is required to be unannounced each year. Not sure what product you would be supplying to them, but their requirements are stringent. 

 

As IFS/BRC unannounced  site, small supplier, we had to do  addendum every year. It was painless...addendum part.