Unveiling the Mystery: Who Makes Costco’s Beloved Kirkland Signature Frozen Lasagna?

When you walk into a Costco, you can expect two things: delicious hot dogs and a variety of Kirkland Signature products. Kirkland is Costco’s brand, and it includes everything from canned tuna to coffee. If you’ve ever wondered who makes Kirkland lasagna, especially if you’re in Canada, the answer is right nearby.

Zinetti Foods, based in Surrey, British Columbia, produces the popular 4-Cheese Meat Lasagna that you can find in Costco stores across Canada. They also make the Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna for Kirkland. Each of these recipes has its own tasty twist, showcasing Zinetti’s culinary skills.

Costco doesn’t make its Kirkland products in-house. Instead, it partners with external manufacturers to keep prices affordable for members. Zinetti has had much success with its frozen lasagna, so it makes sense that Costco would want to collaborate with them for its private-label brand.

Zinetti Foods has a rich history that goes back to 1985, when the company was founded around the same time Costco entered Western Canada. The founder, Maurizio Zinetti, learned how to make pasta in Italy and brought his expertise back to Canada, eventually creating a lasagna that caught the eye of Costco. This partnership has lasted nearly 30 years.

In 2019, after years of selling its lasagna at Costco, Zinetti began crafting a unique recipe specifically for the Kirkland brand. Even though the two lasagna brands compete, they coexist in the freezer aisle, with Zinetti continuing to produce its own brand alongside the Kirkland version.

Today, Zinetti Foods has expanded its menu to include various frozen dishes like shepherd’s pie and enchiladas—not just lasagna. As they continue to grow, you can likely find Zinetti’s creations in more grocery stores beyond Costco.