In times when filling the pantry costs more and more, there are brands that manage to endure. Costco, one of Americans' favorites, has achieved this with a very specific product. Not only does it keep its price stable, but every year it multiplies its popularity.
This item isn't an occasional whim. People buy it in bulk and even culinary experts recommend it. Although it may seem impossible, it still costs only five dollars in all the chain's warehouses.
Costco's star product for just 5 dollars
It's the Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken, one of the best-selling items at Costco. Every year, more than 100 million units are purchased (100 millones), often in huge quantities, and there are customers who take as many as fifty chickens at once. Its popularity isn't based on price; the convenience of having a ready-to-serve dish with excellent flavor is key.
On top of that, it has earned a good reputation for its juicy meat and special seasoning. Even professional chefs have praised its texture and flavor. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of ingredients that includes salt, dextrose, spices, and also carrageenan, and the final result is flavorful, tender, and consistent meat.
Quality, consistency, and a smart strategy
Another secret to its success is total control over the production process. Since 2019, Costco has managed its own poultry center in Nebraska, which allows it to keep consistent standards and reduce costs without compromising quality. In addition, the chickens only remain on the shelves for a maximum of two hours.
After that, they're used in other preparations to prevent them from losing freshness, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing the meat from drying out. This efficiency is also part of its business strategy. The chicken is located at the back of the store, forcing customers to walk through the entire place before reaching it.
A product that loses money... and gains customers
Costco loses money on every chicken sold, but it makes up for it with the increased spending of those who come in for it. According to Richard Galanti, former chief financial officer, this item cost the company more than 40 million (40 millones) a year. Even so, the price has been kept, and measures have even been taken such as creating its own supply chain or using more sustainable packaging.
All this without raising the price for the consumer by a single cent. Costco's rotisserie chicken isn't just a sales success, but an example of customer loyalty. It's a tasty, affordable dish, and also very versatile for home cooking.
What to do with rotisserie chicken at home
Many people buy it thinking of an immediate dinner, but its possibilities go further: it can be used to prepare sauces, tacos, salads, or pizzas, all with hardly any effort. Once deboned, the leftovers still have value. They serve as a base for homemade broths, simply by cooking them with vegetables and water, making use of every last gram of the product.
For five dollars, few foods offer as much flavor, convenience, and performance. Year after year, that makes it the true king of Costco.