These Are The Corporations Behind Costco’s Kirkland Brand Label
Costco. For many, it’s a good-product-at-a-great-price paradise. Whether you’re looking for candy or coffee, batteries or beer, diapers or dipping chips, you’re sure to find it at the shopping behemoth. And when you see the red and black Costco Kirkland Signature label on a wide variety of products throughout the store, you know you’ll be adding both quality and savings to your cart.
But what you may not know is that Kirkland products are generally manufactured by third parties, not Costco, and that some of the companies are well-known retailers who hold a tight grip on their specific markets. Some of the suppliers are listed on the product packaging, while others remain an industry secret. At last check, these famous name brands were behind the Kirkland products you might find at your local Costco, so shelve any concerns you might have about whether or not that espresso blend you’re buying is especially good.
Jelly Belly Candy
Who says Costco doesn’t know beans about candy? Thanks to the partnership between Kirkland and Jelly Belly, Costco offers the “gourmet” jelly beans in four-pound jars featuring 49 different flavors as well as fat-free and kosher varieties.
Bumble Bee Tuna
Not that Costco is necessarily fishing for compliments, but since 2002 the company has claimed that the deal it struck with Bumble Bee has resulted in a “superior quality” solid white albacore bing showcased on its shelves.
Kimberly-Clark Diapers
Word has leaked out that Kirkland Diapers are made by Kimberly-Clark, the manufacturer that cranks out GoodNites and Huggies. In addition to Kirkland diapers, Costco sells the better-known Huggies brand.
Chinet Cups
The Big Red Cup: It’s a recognizable staple of frat parties, holiday gatherings, and backyard barbecues. Sold under the Kirkland Signature label at Costco, the cup packaging clearly displays the Chinet logo as well.
Starbucks Coffee
This should perk up your interest: Look closer at the Kirkland house blend coffee and you’ll see the stamp “Custom roasted by Starbucks.” You can get your caffeine kick from Kirkland’s Decaf House Blend Medium Roast, Espresso Blend Dark Roast, and House Blend Medium Roast.
Diamond Naturals Dog Food
Tongues have been wagging, and word is out that websites such as Dog Food Insider claim that Diamond Pet Foods, also known as Schell and Kampeter, are behind the Kirkland Signature Dog Food in Costco’s pet section.
Duracell Batteries
The Costco-Duracell connection is positive news. Costco CEO Craig Jelink revealed in 2016 that Duracell is the manufacturer of Kirkland Signature Batteries, which, not surprisingly, are “Trusted Everywhere.”
Formaggi Zanetti Parmigiano Reggiano
Everything about this high-quality cheese will make you smile. The name
Parmigiano Reggiano can only be applied to hard cheeses made with strict standards in certain regions of Italy. The back of the Kirkland Signature package shows that this top-quality cheese is “specially selected” by Formaggi Zanetti, a highly-regarded exporter of cheeses.
Reynolds Aluminum Foil
Kirkland Signature Foodservice Foil (aka, aluminum foil) is produced by
New Zealand-based Reynolds, the makers of the ubiquitous kitchen and pantry staple. The Reynolds logo is clearly displayed on the Kirkland blue boxes.
Perrigo Infant Formula
For Costco, its partnership with Perrigo has been a formula for success. Perrigo’s StoreBrandFormula.com, which includes a catalog of the company’s retail relationships, includes Costco as one of its product partners and links to the Kirkland Signature Pro-Care Infant Formula on Costco’s website.