# Costco Kirkland private‑label sourcing

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/costco-kirkland-privatelabel-sourcing
> Updated: 2026-08-15T02:50:13.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

In July 2026, Costco employees reported that shopper habits, such as leaving trash and unsupervised children, increased staff workload. The retailer also disclosed that many Kirkland Signature items are produced by well‑known manufacturers, naming examples like Reynolds Foodservice foil and Humboldt Creamery.

A later investigation identified specific external suppliers for Kirkland products: South Korean firm Nassau Golf makes Kirkland golf balls, while major U.S. tuna processors—including Bumble Bee Foods, Starkist and Chicken of the Sea—provide canned tuna. These findings suggest Costco keeps partner identities undisclosed to protect its brand image and maintain low prices.

Further identification of manufacturers has expanded to include Kirkland Signature tequila and car batteries. The tequila varieties, such as Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo, are produced by Fabrica de Tequilas Finos, S. A. de C. V., as indicated by the regulatory NOM number 1416. Additionally, Kirkland Signature car batteries are primarily manufactured by Johnson Controls International.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Costco manufacturers identified for Kirkland Signature tequila and batteries

Kirkland Signature tequila is produced by Fabrica de Tequilas Finos (NOM 1416), while Costco car batteries are primarily manufactured by Johnson Controls International.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costco-manufacturers-identified-for-kirkland-signature-tequila-and-batteries

### 2026-07-27: Costco's Kirkland Signature items traced to external manufacturers

Costco’s Kirkland golf balls are made by South Korea’s Nassau Golf, and its canned tuna likely comes from major U.S. tuna processors, highlighting the retailer’s secretive private‑label sourcing.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costcos-kirkland-signature-items-traced-to-external-manufacturers

### 2026-07-17: Costco highlights employee concerns over shopper behavior and lists major manufacturers behind Kirkland products

Costco employees report disruptive shopper habits while revealing that its Kirkland brand is made by major manufacturers such as Reynolds and Humboldt Creamery.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costco-highlights-employee-concerns-over-shopper-behavior-and-lists-major-manufacturers-behind-kirkl

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Cite as: Costco Kirkland private‑label sourcing. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/costco-kirkland-privatelabel-sourcing