When consumers see the prestigious red and black Kirkland logo, they know that they are getting actual value for their money. Most consumers don’t know who is behind the manufacturing and supply of their favorite items. Costco teams up with exceptional manufacturers for products that they later brand as their own.
These manufacturing companies are often famous retail giants. While some of the manufacturers are well known, some have remained a secret. Assuming no supplier swaps places, we put together a list of company names that you wouldn’t believe supply Kirkland’s Signature products. We also threw in a few manufacturers and suppliers that do not supply Costco, despite popular opinion.
1. Your dog’s favorite dog food Diamond Naturals
Quite a few websites claim that Diamond Pet Foods manufacture Kirkland Signature dog food. Diamond pet food is registered under the company name Schell and Kampeter. We know that Diamond Naturals is Kirkland’s supplier because, in 2012, following a salmonella outbreak, the company had its products recalled from the shelves. Coincidence?
We think not. The product recall perfectly coincided with the outbreak linking the two companies. In addition, Kirkland was named in a class lawsuit relating to the episode together with Diamond Naturals. We want to clarify that there have been no new reports of any salmonella outbreaks, which is why Diamond Naturals is your dog’s favorite dog food.
2. Starbucks coffee
We are optimistic that Starbucks, one of the world’s largest coffeehouse chains, is Kirkland’s supplier. It might not say that on the packaging, but even you must admit that Costco’s relatively cheap blends have an intriguing taste.
You might notice a stamp on some coffee packages reading Custom Roasted by Starbucks. Every coffee enthusiast would be more than happy to purchase Starbucks quality coffee at throwaway prices, sort of.
The two-pound Starbucks-supplied coffee bag includes various Kirkland’s signature House blends that will bring the sunshine back to your day. Have you ever bought this one? It is one of the best sales.
3. Perrigo infant formula
We confirmed that Kirkland’s signature infant formula was at one point produced by Abbott Laboratories. Abbott Laboratories are also the makers of Similac. It is now apparent that Kirkland has now converted to Perrigo.
Based on a report submitted to Congress on baby formula selling prices and availability, Abbott Laboratories began supplying Costco with baby formula under the store brand label in 2001. Kirkland’s Signature Infant Formula has since morphed into a vibrant blue packaging with the brand logo across the front of the box.” Perrigo’s StoreBrandFormula.com keeps a meticulous catalog of the company’s retail relations, which include Costco as a partner.
The list even features a link that sends the reader directly to Kirkland Signature Pro-Care Formula on Costco’s website.
4. Sweet tooth heaven: Jelly belly candy
Kirkland partnered with the candy company Jelly Belly to retail their delicious signature jelly beans. Making the partnership public is a great marketing strategy for Costco. Thanks to Costco’s pocket-friendly prices, you can get a four-pound jar of any sugary treat you fancy at low prices.
The store offers 49 different flavors. If you’re Jewish, then you’ll be glad to know that these treats are kosher and fat-free too. If we do the math right, you should get about one point three ounces of your sugary goodness in each jar.
Good news, because these candies look really nice, and it would really be nice to have some.
5. Duracell batteries: get value for your money
Most shoppers do not trust store-brand batteries because they think they will lose power faster than other brands of batteries. Shoppers have to find this out the hard way when their devices go dark, costing time and money.
You do not need to doubt Costco’s batteries because their supplier is a company you trust. Craig Jelinek, Costco’s strapping CEO, announced that Duracell supplies his company. Now that you know that Duracell produces Kirkland’s signature batteries, you can rest easy the next time you need to pick a pair of batteries for your devices. Next time, you can be sure you can trust them, and at a lower price.
6. Bumblebee tuna, an alliance to make tuna as good as it used to be
Some customers think that tuna at Costco is of lower quality because it is sold at a lower price. This is not the case, and you can rest assured that you will not be sacrificing quality for cost. Costco’s VP, Tim Rose, explained to the public that he was concerned about the low-quality tuna in the market.
He had observed that the quality had declined gradually over the years, so he decided to strike a deal in 2002 with the renowned seafood company BumbleBee to improve the consumer experience. “A meatier product, just like the old days,” said Tim Rose.
7. Pureology moisture hair care
Our sources have proven that Kirkland Signature moisture bottles do not have high-end origins like the rumors suggest. If that was the case, we doubt they would be so affordable. We have observed much chatter on Reddit and on different websites speculating that L’Oreal’s Pureology department could be responsible for the signature hair care products (shampoo and conditioner).
There is no evidence supporting these speculations. If the brand did supply Costco, we are sure they would be more than delighted to make that secret public because it is good marketing and publicity. We can understand why you would think that they are from the same supplier because the bottles do look quite similar.
8. Kimberly clerk diapers
Kimberly-Clark makes Kirkland Signature Diapers. We can confirm that the same manufacturer behind household brands likes Huggies and GoodNites that are worm by babies worldwide is the same supplier for Costco.
You will notice that only Kimberly-Clark Huggies are sold beside the Kirkland brand diapers if you visit and Costco store. This is because Procter & Gamble refused to partner with the store.
This is good news for parents, because they are going to be able to buy the diapers for their children directly at costco! Not only will they spare money, but also time, since they won’t have to go to a second store to make their purchase.
9. Reynolds Aluminium foil
Costco partnered with Reynolds Aluminum foil fame, a company based in New Zealand, to produce and supply its Kirkland Signature Food grade foil. We don’t need to look far for the proof because the Reynolds logo is proudly displayed on Kirkland Signature Food grade foils. You might notice that Kirkland foils come in bigger sizes, so they generally go for higher prices.
Aluminum foil is something that all of us have at home. We use it for all sorts of things, it is very useful, but on the other hand, it is not something we wish to spend a lot of money on.
10. Gordon Biersch beer
This is a very likely partnership. Your Kirkland craft beer could be supplied from two possible places depending on which side of the state you’re in. There have been claims that Kirkland beers on the eastern side are provided by Matt Brewing, New York, and beers from the west are supplied from Gordo Biersch.
Most people argue that the packaging has logos from the two beer production companies. We uncovered applications for labels under Kirkland by Matt Brewing, Gordon Biersch, and Wisconsin’s Regal Brau, which means that they all might be working together to bring you the finest craft beer.
11. Chinet cups
Every house party needs party cups. If Costco’s disposable cups look familiar, that is because they come from a manufacturer, you know. Costco’s disposable cup packaging displays the brilliant blue Chinet logo.
The logo is placed right under the Kirkland Signature and next to “The Big Red Cup.” Chinet has produced disposable cutlery for over 90 years. Some of these products are sold at Target and other giant retail stores.
Next time you visit a Costco store, just pay attention, and you will notice for sure this logo that you might have missed until now. Anyway, keep buying these cups, they are just the most useful!
12. Alexander Murray Scotch
We may have been on the fence about a few of the producers of Costco’s bestselling items, but with Costco’s scotch, we are sure about the bottler, Alexander Murray. The bottler himself confirmed to news outlets that he was working with CEO Stephen Lipp to supply Costco.
The bottler confirmed that he has been behind your Kirkland Signature house brand since 2007. The proof is on the bottles, take a close look at the Kirkland logo, and you will notice the unmistakable Alexander Murray brand label on the scotch bottles. Next up is one item that most of us do buy regularly.
13. Niagara bottled water
Any consumer will tell you that all water brands taste the same. Well, unless you are making flavored water. Kirkland Signature water is no exception to this law; it tastes like any other private label out there. According to the brand label on the water, Niagara bottling is the company that supplies Kirkland Signature Purified water.
The family-owned company refers to itself as the “best private label bottled water supplier,” at least in the United States. Niagara bottling also doubles in selling water under its various brand names.
On this picture, you can see a stock of Kirkland signature bottles, as they are one of the bestsellers of the store.
14. Ehrmann yogurt
Your favorite dairy delight manufacturer Ehrmann is responsible for bringing delectable delights such as Lacto and Yoginos to your kitchen tables. The yogurt giant is also accountable for Kirkland Signature Greek Yogurt.
In 2017, he wrote a book titled Disciplined Growth Strategies; he pointed towards the possibility of Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy supplying Greek yogurt using private labels to several retailers, including Costco Kirkland.
We also discovered that Ehrmann is responsible for producing Greek yogurt utilizing Green Mountain Creamery’s brand name and is also responsible for the Liebe brands. I am sure most of us know these products, but have never heard this information before.
15. Warren motor oil
Our research confirmed that Warren Oil Company is suspected to be the manufacturer and supplier responsible for Walmart and Amazon’s motor oils. Still, there is no doubt that it supplies the Kirkland motor oil variety too.
If you purchase Kirkland’s Signature Motor oil, you will notice that the packaging displays its manufacturer in fine print right on the back of the packaging. It should read Manufactured by Warren Distribution, Inc.” Warren Motor Oil asserts that it is one of North America’s most prominent independent lubricant producers and suppliers. The company also sells its products worldwide under various brand names and private labels.
16. E&J Gallo Wines
Costco employs a different strategy when selling its wines. Instead of offering a wide variety of wine types, they have chosen to double down on one kind, increasing quality and offering pocket-friendly prices. The Kirkland Signature wines that you enjoy are a product of favorable contracts with well-established wine masters and importers. Surely, a lot of Costco clients know exactly which wine we are talking about.
Judging from the records, Kirkland Signature California wines are supplied by E&J Gallo Winery. In addition, Ethica Wines provide Italian wines. The Winery manufactures its vino, but it also doubles distributing merchandise from other wineries to various regions worldwide.
17. Ethica wines
We could not confirm if the company is a middleman in the wine production for Costco or has a direct hand in producing the wine. On the other hand, Ethica wines specialize in importing Italian wines, so we are confident that the company acts as the middle man in the transaction. The company imports wines such as Borgogno and Bellavista.
We dug deeper into the tax and trade Bureau’s registry and discovered Kirkland French reds are connected to Misa imports, while listings for port sherry cooking and dessert wines are linked to Kobrand’s Joto Sake. As far as the wine goes, we are pretty convinced we have all the production and supplying companies mapped out.
17. Sonova hearing aids
Did you know that you can get your hearing medically tested at Costco for free? If you get tested and the technicians find out that you have a hearing problem, they will advise you on which hearing aid to pick up. The sleek new Kirkland signature hearing aids come in various colors to match your style.
According to a trusted hearing health magazine, they also use Uniquetech provided by Sonova. The magazine reported in 2019 that Sonova is working with Kirkland under the flagship brand. Sonova revealed that Kirkland contracted them to supply Costco, and we confirmed that Sonova makes several appearances as the manufactures in multiple legal documents.
18. George Dickel bourbon
Our sources informed us that Kirkland’s Signature Bourbon might have a new supplier after a supposed swap. According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the famous Jim Beam is the producer behind Kirkland Signature alcoholic beverage.
These records are from a decade ago, so that they may be outdated. According to online enthusiasts, our best bet is George Dickel as the new supplier for Costco. However, some reports have shown that new records show Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey has hit the shelves in multiple storefronts. George Dickel remains unverified for now. We will keep looking for more information!
19. La Madrilena Tequila
According to Mashed, consumer and Tequila enthusiasts believe that all Tequila bottles have an identifying number, otherwise referred to as NOM. You can use this number to track where it came from. Tequila Matchmaker says that all three Kirkland tequilas might be produced by La Madrilena, a Mexican wine, and Liquor company.
This is also one of the bestsellers at Costco. The price is attractive for the clients, and the quality as well. Indeed, it is produced by a liquor company that has many years of experience and is already famous for its products. So, do not hesitate to purchase this tequila next time you visit your usual Costco.
20. Henkel Laundry detergent
Neither company has confirmed a link to each other. The German-based corporation Henkel is speculated to supply Kirkland’s trusted Signature Detergent. In 2008, The Salt Lake Tribune, a reliable source, conveyed that Huish, the world’s more renowned and trusted detergent and fabric softener manufacturer, would become one with Unilever’s laundry detergent department. Huish was also reported to supply Costco.
The merger was a financial win because the brand is now the united leading laundry care brand best known for Snuggle, All, and Sun products. Henkel acquired Sun products in 2016 and is responsible for producing Persil.
The final verdict is that Henkel supplies Kirkland Signature Laundry detergents.
21. Acetum balsamic vinegar
Finding the supplier for this product was not easy. We had to look long and hard for the manufacturer who boasts 100 years of existence in the industry. Kirkland Signature Balsamic Vinegar boasts years of experience and an exceptional product. Costco partnered with Modena–based company Acetum back in 1999.
Their goal was to produce high-quality balsamic vinegar for the flagship brand. The name Balsamic vinegar of Modena is a patented name that is only applied to products that must fit specific geographical and quality standards, sort of like “Parmigiano Reggiano.” Anyway, this is a good quality product that we would definitely recommend purchasing.
22. Rice honey
The 2019 issue of the Costco magazine corporate foods and sundries explains how the company partnered with rice honey to meet the demand for precious commodities. Lucas Stanuch, a business mogul, explained that the warehouse giant hand plans to source honey from local beekeepers but explained that many areas did not produce enough love to meet local demand. You know what they say; the more, the merrier.
We can neither confirm nor deny that the honey at your store is from rice honey for this product. However, we can assure you that it is delicious. So, just buy it and see for yourself!
23. Stearns & Foster mattress
Mattresses aren’t usually a regular item on shopping lists, but Costco still has an expansive section for these comfortable wonders. The company offers mattresses from Nova form, Sleep science, and of course, the Kirkland signature Mattress. Stearns and Foster supply Costco’s mattresses. Stearns and Foster Lake Ridge mattress’s Kirkland Signature mattress uses memory foam and combines gel foam for the ultimate night’s sleep.
The product comes in sizes ranging from the king-size to the larger California king-size and everything in between. The Stearns and & Foster mattress company dates back to 1846, so you can bet they have mastered the art of a comfortable night’s sleep.
24. Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis
Because the name Odile Van Moore is behind Kirkland’s excellent Cru, it is assumed that she might be behind the production scenes. Van der More is a cellar master for a major French wine producer. She has worked here for over twenty years.
If you take a keen interest in the ammonite logo on Costco’s Chablis, it bears a suspicious semblance to the one on the Jean-marc branded bottles. For this wine master, we give a strong yes, she is linked to the production of Costco’s delicious wines.
It will for sure remain one of Costco’s bestselling products, and one favorite for the clients.
25. Bolthouse farms carrot juice
Juice is one item that is almost always on the shopping list. If you prefer to take your veggies in a few gulps, you might be familiar with this product. Consumers observe that it is the easiest way to take all your greens in a few sips. We confirmed that Kirkland Signature partnered with Bolthouse Farms to produce their three-pack bottles of exceptional carrot juice.
The product is made using one hundred percent organic carrots that are harvested, peeled, and juice all within a single facility; the process doesn’t take more than 24 hours, according to the 2009 issue of the Costco magazine. The fourth-generation farm is focused on producing groceries for the surrounding regions.
26. Ti Point Sauvignon blanc
The delicious Kirkland White is produced from a less known New Zealand Winery founded by three highly experienced women in the field. The three women make up three generations in the wine industry.
The Kirkland Signature Blanc has similar crossed leaf logos pointing towards the winemaker Tracy Haslam, a crucial member of the Ti point winery. Ti point initially operated from a Cape in Northern New Zealand but grew and moved operations to the Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough provinces.
Costco actually does have a wide range of wines from all different regions of the world. Moreover, the brand pays a lot of attention to the quality of the products they offer.
27. Isigny Ste-Mere brie
If it tickles your fancy, you can delight your guests by serving them hors d’oeuvres made from Kirkland signature Cheese. The Isigny Ste-Mere is famous for exporting butter, creams, and cheeses worldwide. They are also responsible for supplying Costco with brand brie.
The Normandy-based company provides excellent products and exceptional quality. In a previous copy of the Costco connection, Kirkland Signature Isigny Ste-Mere is described as a blue-cream brie with about 60% butterfat content and delightful mushroom notes. The company recommends that you take a little off the top then spread something sweet on it then place it in the broiler for a bruleed brie that is to die for.
28. Ocean spray cranberry juice
At Costco, there is something for everyone. If the carrot juice is just not your taste, then the cranberry juice will do just the trick. If you visit your local Costco store, you will find a wide variety of ocean spray branded juices. You will notice that Kirkland only has its brand name on one of the products.
This is because Kirkland chose the juice with no additives that could harm the consumers’ health. The Kirkland Signature juice has a name that is quite a mouth full, but it’s the healthiest juice on the shelf.
Costco has packaged the juice in packs of two; each has a 96 fluid ounce volume. These are big bottles, so they will need a considerable amount of space on your shelves if you decide to give the juice a try.
29. Grey goose vodka
Many consumers are convinced that Costco’s Vodka is the same product as Bacardi’s Grey Goose. However, we can confirm that the France-based Vodka producer is not responsible for Kirkland’s fine vodka. Grey-goose ambassadors have since quashed the claims. Because of this rather public denial by Grey Goose Vodka, we are confident that Costco does not get its vodka from them. According to its loyal consumers, Kirkland Signature Vodka is still one of the best vodka brands in the market.
So who produces the vodka at Costco stores? We went back to the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau registry and discovered that Levecke, the world-famous spirits producers, applied to supply the company. We could not confirm whether there is more to the story or not. One thing is for sure though, Kirkland’s signature Vodka is one drink that can lift your spirits, pun intended.
30. Formaggi Zannetti Parmigiano
Cheese lovers know that Parmigiano Reggiano’s name can only be used to brand cheese made in specific geographical areas and under certain conditions. Yes, the name ia patented. Unlike Parmesan cheese, you have to grate it into tiny pieces and sprinkle it on your food. The cheese is unique to Italy, which narrowed the search down for us.
The specific standards that must be met when producing the cheese also ensure that consumers get the best quality product possible. If you were to try and make your cheese and pass it off as Parmigiano Reggiano, you would be sure to get a not so friendly visit from the relevant Italian authorities.
All Kirkland has to do is appoint a company to pick out the best 24 months aged cheese for the store shelves. The company for the job is Formaggi Zanetti, a famous Italian company specializing in exporting cheeses worldwide.
31. Humboldt Creamery ice cream
The California Humboldt Creamery filed for bankruptcy in 2009 and was purchased by its competitor Crystal Creamery. The newly absorbed company then began selling its products nationwide through retailers. It was soon after that reported that the company has been making ice cream for Costco shelves since 2009.
The ice cream is sold under the Kirkland Signature brand. True to Costco’s nature, they have allowed the company to sell some of their vanilla ice creams under their brand name. Many times the product has completely sold out, indicating an unmet demand, so Costco might be looking to get more suppliers for the Ice cream isle.
32. Bloomer chocolate
A 2013 issue of the Costco magazine broke the news that Costo gets its Chocolate from Bloomer Chocolate Company. The company is the biggest cocoa processor and chocolate supplier in the United States. So it turns out the Kirkland chocolates that can so addictive come from the manufacturers of the finest chocolates.
The company has been operational since 1939. The products are known for having a tasty nut center covered in chocolate. The company has been successful in establishing a supply of cocoa from West Africa. The Ivory Coast is where most of the stores’ chocolate comes from. The company has been commended for ensuring high-quality deliverables while providing fair compensation, essential services, and education to the local communities.
33. Patrick Lesec Cotes du rhone villages
For this fruity yet dark beverage, its French origins are indicated on the rear side of the bottle. The French producer takes great pride in this product because only a portion of the wine produced in the area is pure enough to be labeled Côtes du Rhône Villages.
Patrick Lesec’s fruity and chocolate concoction passes all the tests and puts other wine bottles to shame. Lesec does not indulge in the tedious work of growing his vineyard. Instead, he carefully selects wineries to source from and commands the process and procedures to be followed during production. Once again, we are not disappointed with the product range offered by Costco.
