Tracing the Source: Where Does Kroger Pork Come From?

As one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States, Kroger sells a wide variety of pork products across their stores. But where exactly does all that Kroger pork come from before landing in the meat case?

Understanding a grocery chain’s supply chain is important for consumers who want transparency about the origins and standards behind the meat they buy Let’s take a closer look at how Kroger sources their pork

Major Suppliers

Kroger procures fresh pork products from some of the biggest meat processing companies in the US, including

• JBS USA – The largest meat processor in the world, operating pork plants across America.

• Tyson Foods – Global meat company and massive pork supplier based in Arkansas.

• Smithfield Foods – Leading pork producer and processor headquartered in Virginia.

These major suppliers provide Kroger with large quantities of pork like chops, roasts, ribs, ground pork and sausage. Relying on mega processors allows Kroger to meet high demand.

Shortages During COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic caused significant disruptions in the meat supply chain. Many major pork plants shut down temporarily due to outbreaks among workers. As a result, during 2020 Kroger had to limit purchases of fresh pork and ground beef because of shortages.

This demonstrated the challenges that even huge retailers face when large-scale meatpacking facilities close down. Maintaining a steady supply of pork proved difficult despite Kroger’s scale and partnerships with key vendors.

Gestation Crate Phase-Out

To promote more ethical pork sourcing, Kroger has committed to phasing out pig gestation crates in their supply chain by 2025. This will affect over 2000 Kroger stores and distribution centers nationwide.

The phase-out resulted from pressure by animal welfare groups on major pork buyers like Kroger. While not raising pigs directly, Kroger is using its purchasing power to drive more humane industry practices.

Claims of Misleading Labeling

Despite promoting local farming and American products, Kroger was hit with a lawsuit in 2019 alleging some “Product of the USA” labeled beef was misleadingly named. The plaintiffs argued the beef was minimally processed in the US but originated from imported cattle.

While the merits of the lawsuit are still under review, it highlights the need for transparency from retailers about precise sourcing locations for their meat. Kroger maintains that their pork supply adheres to all proper labeling and sourcing regulations.

Focus on Pork Welfare

According to Kroger’s animal welfare policies, they aim to source pork from suppliers focused on humane practices including:

• Adequate living space for pigs
• Proper ventilation and access to water and food
• Responsible medical care when needed
• No unnecessary pain or suffering

Kroger also joined the Global Coalition for Animal Welfare to help advance welfare standards across the pork industry. While not involved in direct pig farming, Kroger uses its influence to improve ethics in their pork supply chain.

The Pork’s Journey from Farm to Store

Here is a high-level overview of the typical journey Kroger’s pork takes from pig farms to their grocery aisles:

• Pigs raised at company owned or contracted farms across the country
• Animals transported to regional processing plants for harvesting
• Carcasses fabricated into retail pork cuts at the plant
• Meat inspected to meet Kroger’s quality specifications
• Approved pork packaged and shipped to Kroger warehouses
• Distribution to stores in Kroger’s broad retail network

Understanding this process can help consumers appreciate everything involved in supplying pork to thousands of grocery stores.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Kroger openly acknowledges there is always room for improvement in their pork supply chain when it comes to traceability, transparency and animal welfare.

By setting clear policies, conducting supplier audits and joining industry partnerships, Kroger aims to continuously enhance their pork sourcing standards. They recognize this benefits not just their brand image but also the animals, workers and communities involved in meat production.