Have you ever wondered who makes Kirkland batteries? You would be surprised to know about the manufacturer, especially if you compare the batteries with Duracell batteries. Though being branded under Costco's private label, it is made by some other brand. In fact, all the Kirkland Signature products are made by third-party manufacturers. Kirkland Signature is an in-house brand of Costco that sells different types of products under the label. The products range from Kirkland brand toilet paper to batteries to coffee. The manufacturers make some products exclusively for Costco, while some are made by brand labels who sell their own branded versions of the same product. The only difference in such products sold by Kirkland is that they have much lower prices and a Kirkland Signature red and white label.
Who Makes Kirkland Batteries?
Kirkland batteries are manufactured by Duracell. Costco's CEO, Craig Jelinek, revealed this in an interview with WSBTV News in 2016. They manufacture both AA and AAA batteries for Costco.
Does Costco Also Sell Duracell Batteries?
Yes, Costco sells both Kirkland and Duracell batteries. Duracell offers a wider variety of sizes - AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V - while Kirkland is limited to AA and AAA sizes.
Kirkland Batteries Vs Duracell Batteries
Price
The cost of a 48-count package of Kirkland Signature AA Alkaline Batteries is $13.99, i.e. $0.29 per battery. On the other hand, Duracell's AA batteries are priced at $0.40 per battery, which is 40% more than the price of the same battery under Kirkland's name.
Size
Duracell has more variety to offer when it comes to size. Kirkland Signature only has two sizes, AA and AAA. But Duracell has five sizes: AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V. Though, they are all 1.5V alkaline batteries.
Durability
Duracell's batteries are more long-lasting than Kirkland Signature, with Kirkland averaging 15% less than the Duracell batteries. Since durability is an important factor, Duracell is a better choice considering the durability factor.
Power Output
Another important factor is the amount of power a battery offers. Duracell batteries give an average of 1.28 volts, while Kirkland batteries give an average of 1.62 volts.
Warranty
Duracell batteries come with a warranty of 2-5 years, depending on the type and quantity. Kirkland batteries come with a 36-month warranty. Both of them cover only manufacturer defects and not damage caused by accidents. Also, both claim a 12-year shelf life.
Other Brands That Manufacture Kirkland Signature
Huggies
Costco's finance chief Richard Galanti confirmed that Huggies is the manufacturer of Kirkland Signature Diapers in 2017 in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. Kirkland diapers are sold for $0.18 per diaper at Costco, whereas Huggies are sold for $0.24 per diaper.
Starbucks
Many varieties of Kirkland Signature coffee are actually manufactured by Starbucks Coffee Company. This includes the 2.5-pound Kirkland Signature Espresso Blend Coffee, Decaf House Blend Coffee, and Regular House Coffee. Kirkland's Signature House Blend Coffee is sold at $7.60 per pound. Whereas Costco sells the 2.5-pound Starbucks French Roast Whole Bean Coffee at $10 per pound.
Keurig
Keurig is another brand that supplies coffee to Costco. They make K-Cup pods for use with the Keurig line of machines. Costco has a variety of Kirkland Signature K-Cup flavors for the people who prefer this coffee. Kirkland Signature Coffee Organic Pacific Bold K-Cup Pod is priced at $31.99 for 120 pods.
Diamond Pet Foods
Diamond Pet Foods is known for using high-quality ingredients and following strict safety and quality control standards. They use a mixture of grains, vegetables, and meat proteins for well-rounded nutrition for pets.
Kirkland Signature Dog Food is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods. The cost of 20 lb. Kirkland Signature Small Formula Chicken & Vegetable Dog Food comes is $34.99 or $1.75 a pound. On the other hand, Diamond Naturals' Small & Medium Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food costs $2.00 a pound.
Bumble Bee Tuna
Kirkland Signature's Albacore Solid White Tuna is made by Bumble Bee. The 7 oz. 8-count is sold for $19.99, or $0.36 per ounce, by Costco, while Bumble Bee sells the same product at $0.49 per ounce.
