Stroll through any Costco, and you’ll find it hard not to notice brand-name products stacked right next to displays of Costco’s own Kirkland Signature brand. Costco’s thinking is clear: Remind the customers that while they can surely spend extra for a familiar label, they’ll save money by buying the Kirkland version.
And it’s been a profitable venture for the company. According to Fortune, Kirkland Signature products were responsible for $56 billion in sales in 2023, about a quarter of Costco’s annual revenue.
Kirkland Signature products might look awfully familiar to savvy shoppers. The Wall Street Journal reported in 2017 that before Costco develops a Kirkland Signature version of a product, the company usually gives a big brand-name supplier the chance to make the Kirkland version too. While some companies decline, plenty more agree.
Here’s a look at the name brands behind Costco’s private-label products.
1. Duracell
Batteries aren’t the most exciting purchase to make, but you’ll always need to have some around, just in case.
Former Costco CEO Craig Jelinek confirmed in an interview that Kirkland Signature alkaline batteries are actually made by big-name brand Duracell, as we reported in “9 Generic Products You Should Be Buying at Costco.”
2. Starbucks
Costco is based in the Seattle area, so a collaboration with Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee seems like a natural fit.
Just read the labels — several Kirkland Signature coffee products, such as medium roast whole-bean coffee, boast right on the packaging that they are custom-roasted by Starbucks.
3. Reynolds
Reynolds Wrap is easily the best-known brand name as far as aluminum foil is concerned. And you’ll see the Reynolds name on Kirkland Signature Foodservice Foil, whether in rolls or cut into single sheets.
4. Diamond Pet Foods
Fido and Fluffy would appreciate it if you don’t run out of their food, so buying pet food in bulk at Costco is a purr-fect plan.
Diamond Pet Foods makes all of the Kirkland Signature dry pet foods, and it’s even all-American: All the food is made in company-owned facilities in the U.S.
5. Ocean Spray
Love the sweet-tart taste of cranberry juice? Kirkland Signature cranberry juice is made by powerhouse brand Ocean Spray, using all North American cranberries with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
6. Chinet cups
Red plastic cups just scream “party,” although you could probably find plenty of other uses for them, from kids crafts to home organization.
Chinet, the well-recognized disposable paper goods company, is the big name behind the Kirkland Signature party cups. Stock up now for your next big shindig.
7. Top chocolate candy brands
Does chocolate make your heart melt? You can scoop up a variety of name-brand chocolate bars in a sweet variety pack that’s sold under Costco’s own Kirkland Signature label.
Forget no-name treats; this 90-ounce Favorites bag is packed with such mouthwatering mainstream brands as M&M’s, Twix, Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kat, Milky Way, Almond Joy and Butterfinger.
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