Who Makes Costco Kirkland Signature Products?
Costco has everything you need to stock up on the essentials at home. As Costco shoppers, you may have noticed that the stores carry several popular name brands in addition to their exclusive in-house brand, Kirkland Signature. From clothes to snacks, Kirkland Signature is everywhere at this wholesaler.
But what is this brand, and who makes Costco Kirkland products? Let’s dive into who’s really behind Costco’s brand and see why purchasing Kirkland Signature can not only save you money but just might be the better choice.
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Related: Who Makes Kirkland Batteries?
What is Kirkland Signature?
Most brands usually stick to what they’re good at and stay in that genre. Lays has created some of the best chips in the world. Oreo has made some of the best cookies. And Heinz specializes in condiments.
For Kirkland Signature, though, you can purchase their wine and dog food in one run. So what is this brand and why is it so big in Costco?
Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label and has been around for more than two decades. But it wasn’t always this popular. When Costco first popped up around the US, it carried more brand names than Kirkland Signature, but over time, it slowly incorporated more of its label into the retailer.
Reasons to Shop Kirkland Signature Brand?
Not sure if you want to change from your favorite brands to Kirkland Signature? There are several reasons why picking Kirkland Signature can benefit you.
The biggest reason is that it’s at a discounted rate compared to the other popular brands without skimping on quality. Most shoppers would rather pay an extra dollar or so to get high-quality products from popular brands. However, with Kirkland Signature, you can be comforted knowing that Costco examines every recipe and product to ensure you’re satisfied.
The other reason is that you’re buying brand-name products, just without the cost. All of Kirkland Signature’s products are sourced from well-known brands within their industry, it’s just that Costco has created a special recipe or product within that brand name to use in their own private label. This means, that when you’re buying Kirkland Signature coffee grounds, you’re actually getting Starbucks coffee without paying extra for that label.
Is Kirkland Signature Available Anywhere Else?
No. Kirkland Signature is exclusive to Costco. If you want to experience name brands at a discounted rate, you’ll need to head to your local Costco to shop for the brand.
Who Makes Costco Kirkland Products?
So who exactly is behind Costco Kirkland Signature products? With the wide range of products that Kirkland Signature has, it’s safe to say that there are many. While we don’t know every product, we do know some. Here are just a few products that are sourced by big-name brands.
Alexander Murray Scotch
Kirkland Signature Scotch whiskies are incredibly affordable and tasty. These bottles are actually made by Scotch independent bottlers, Alexander Murray & Co., a brand that has become incredibly well-known in the industry over the past few years. Alexander Murray & Co. is based in Calabasas, California, and has been around since 2004.
In a 2016 interview with Market Watch, the CEO and President of Alexander Murray, Steve Lipp, confirmed that Costco is one of the biggest sellers of their scotch, selling around 100,000 cases or more a year.
Diamond Pet Food
Don’t skimp on food for your furry friends! Kirkland Signature dog food is just as good as the rest of the premium brands you see at your local stores. There have been several reviews that confirm that Kirkland Signature get their dog food sourced from Diamond Pet Foods, which has a reputation for producing some of the highest quality pet food.
They own several brands like Diamond Naturals, Nutra-Gold, and Taste of the Wild. Not only does your pet get the nutrients they deserve in all stages of life, but you don’t have to overspend to get the brand name. If you want a breakdown of the best Costco pet food for your pup, check out our post about the best Costco dog food overall.
Starbucks
That’s right! When you purchase the discounted price of Kirkland Signature coffee grounds, you’re actually getting high-quality Starbucks coffee. While Costco carries several big names for their coffee products, like Rogers Family and Kuerig Cups, Starbucks is one of the top ones.
Starbucks is one of the top companies in the coffee industry. Starbucks began with its first store opening in 1971 in Seattle’s Pike Place Market and has since grown into one of the largest coffeehouse chains ever with 35,700 stores worldwide.
Jelly Belly Candy
From scotch to jelly beans, Kirkland Signature has it all. But of course, Costco has their candy sourced from one of the leading names in confectionery. Jelly Belly is pretty much the king of beans in the candy world, so having Kirkland Signature’s private label on this 4lb jug is worthwhile.
Jelly Belly was around in 1979 and has a total of 100 flavors. But for this tub of 49 flavors, it’ll only cost around $19.99. For a 5lb bag from Jelly Belly themselves at only 20 flavors, you’re looking at a rate of $69.99.
Bumble Bee Tuna
Canned fish is a pantry staple for many. It’s quick to snack on and even better with recipes. But purchasing generic canned fish can be a gamble for many. Thankfully, Costco lets you enjoy canned fish without the worry about the quality. The Kirkland Signature canned tuna was confirmed to be sourced from Bumble Bee according to a 2003 interview with Money CNN.
While Bumble Bee Seafoods didn’t truly get their feet on the ground until 1960, their history began in 1899 when seven canners began processing salmon. Bumble Bee Seafoods is in every major retailer and is known for creating canned, packaged, and even snack-processed fish.
Olde Thompson Spices
Ever wonder who makes Costco Kirkland products like their spices and seasonings? A lot of them are courtesy of Olde Thompson.
Kirkland Signature’s bulk seasoning like salt and cinnamon sticks is sourced from one of the leading producers of salt and pepper mills in the world that has been around for 75 years. Costco proudly shows off its source by adding its name to the labels.
Acetum Balsamic Vinegar
Like Olde Thompson, Kirkland Signature doesn’t always hide their sourced brand on their products. For example, Kirkland Signature’s Balsamic Vinegar has Acetum at the bottom of its label.
Acetum is based in the heart of Italy’s richest culinary region and is one of the largest producers of Balsamic Vinegar and has been around since 1906.
Check Out: What Company is Behind Costco Frozen Food?
Isigny Ste-Mère Brie
For the cheese gurus out there, you might know about Isigny Ste. Mère. The company was formed in 1909 and sold products in Paris, but slowly expanded to more cheese and butter products around the world, and straight into Costco.
While Kirkland Signature gets its brie from Isigny St. Mère, the company is also responsible for other products like Camembert, Mimolette, and even Pont-l’Évêque. Kirkland Signature Brie, thanks to this company, is from Normandy, France, and is a silky-smooth, buttery cheese that is the perfect addition to any cheeseboard.
Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice
Juice is a must-have for families. It’s a sweet drink that still provides nutrients to your body. Thankfully, Ocean Spray is one of the best cranberry juice brands out there, and you can get them for a great price thanks to Kirkland Signature.
Ocean Spray proudly shares that they work with Costco to create affordable and tasty juice on their website. The company has been around since 1930 and has worked hard to produce the highest-quality cranberry juice for the world.
Bloomer Chocolate
Costco is the best place to go if you want to stock up on some cravings. Indulging in chocolate never felt so great with Kirkland Signature’s decadent and creamy chocolates. And that’s thanks to Bloomer Chocolate!
A 2013 report with Costco Connection Magazine explained that Kirkland Signature gets its chocolate from Bloomer, one of the largest cocoa processors and ingredient chocolate suppliers in North America. Founded in 1939, Bloomer has an outstanding reputation for high-quality chocolate while advancing in sustainable cocoa farming.
Townsend Farms Berries
Stocking up on fruit throughout the year is easy thanks to Costco’s amazing prices, and with Kirkland Signature items, you don’t have to worry about the quality. These berries are actually sourced from Townsend Farms berries.
The company was called out in a 2019 FDA report when Townsend Farms had to recall a bunch of packages, which included the ones from Costco with the Kirkland Signature label. Even after this report, Townsend Farms and Costco are still working together to create the best, most affordable berries for consumers.
Perrigo Infant Formula
Baby supplies are expensive, outrageously so. But Costco has you covered. From a simple swap of labels, you can start stocking up on items so you never have to stress about the future. One product is Kirkland Signature’s infant formula.
The brand behind Costco’s infant formula is Perrigo. Perrigo is one of the top brands for infant formulas and can be found in several retailers, with Costco using its private label to lower the cost even more to help families.
Kimberly-Clark Diapers
Along with formula, diapers are another incredibly expensive product. Instead of stressing about affording the next package, shop Kirkland Signature to bulk buy and save.
In a 2017 interview with WSJ, Costco had asked Procter & Gamble Co. and Kimberly-Clark Corp., two rivals in the diaper industry, to make their diapers, and the latter company agreed. In 2005, Costco started selling diapers, with Huggies being the only branded version on their shelves.
Stearns and Foster Mattress
If you’re a Costco guru, you know there’s so much more to Costco than their home goods, auto supplies, and groceries. They have everything you need, especially mattresses, and apparently, they’ve worked with high-quality makers to give you affordable mattresses.
Stearns & Foster is behind Kirkland Signature’s mattresses and uses memory foam and gel foam that comes in either King, California King, or Queen sizes. Stearns & Foster has been making mattresses since 1846 with some of the most luxurious materials in the industry.
Warren Motor Oil
Auto-care is an important part of Costco’s store. They have a whole tire and auto center to help you get everything you need without breaking the bank. Some other ways that they’ve ensured you save a few bucks are by selling amazing quality oil at an affordable rate thanks to a change of labels.
Warren Oil is the supplier behind Kirkland Signature’s oil, a brand that has been around since 1976. Today, they are responsible for exporting products to more than 20 countries and have worked hard to produce the highest quality products.
Duracell Batteries
Batteries are expensive, and while most of us don’t think about them until they’re absolutely needed, it’s nice to stock up on them. Thankfully, you don’t have to skimp out on great brands just to save money, because Kirkland Signature batteries are just Duracell with a different packaging.
In a 2016 interview with WSB-TV, CEO Craig Jelinek confirmed that Duracell is behind the batteries under Kirkland Signature’s name. Duracell was founded in 1924 and is one of the leading manufacturers of alkaline batteries, specialty cells, and rechargeables.
Chinet Cups
There are several products on the list that don’t hide who they’re sourced by. For instance, Kirkland Signature plastic cups are from Chinet, the biggest name in paper and plastic dishware and utensils.
From cups to napkins, forks to plates, Chinet is in every big retailer and is at your local Costco. While Chinet is affordable, Kirkland Signature helps you save even more thanks to their label.
Reynolds Wrap
Reynolds Wrap is a popular name when it comes to tinfoil and is a household essential. Kirkland Signature makes it easy to bulk buy and save thanks to their incredibly lower rates than many leading brands.
Costco’s tinfoil is sourced by Reynolds, who has been making high-quality products since the early 1900s. From parchment paper to disposable bakeware, Reynolds is one of the leading brands in the industry.
CooperVision Contact Lenses
Did you know that you can get contacts at Costco? Thanks to their amazing vision center and pharmacy, you can take care of shopping as well as check up on your health in one stop. And don’t forget to save on contacts with Kirkland Signature.
CooperVision is the brand behind the label, though, and is one of the leading brands in contact lenses. CooperVision is responsible for brands MyDay, Clariti, and Biofinity, all of which can be found at Costco.
Trident Seafoods Fish Oil
Fish oil is great to take for many reasons. They’re great for getting your omega-3 fatty acids which can help support eye health, reduce inflammation, and support healthy skin.
And if you enjoy taking them but hate the cost, check out Kirkland Signature’s fish oil, which is sourced from Trident Seafoods. This was confirmed by a lawsuit in 2017 where Costco was allegedly not living up to their promise on their pills.
Read More: Kirkland Batteries vs Duracell: How Do They Compare?
Do you prefer Kirkland Signature over name brands? Let us know in the comments!
And if you want to stay up-to-date on the best-hidden deals and finds at Costco, keep checking back at Costco97 where we help you get the most out of your membership! Costco97 talks about the best items to shop for to save money and the secret meaning of the price tags, like the hidden .97 deals.
