Costco’s Kirkland Signature battery brand is made by Duracell, which manufactures the batteries alongside its own branded lineup and supplies them exclusively for sale at Costco warehouses.
Kirkland Signature is Costco’s house brand covering thousands of products, and its AA and AAA alkaline batteries have become a popular budget alternative to name brand Duracell batteries sold at the same stores.
Former Costco CEO Craig Jelinek confirmed in a 2016 television interview that Duracell produces the Kirkland Signature batteries, ending years of speculation among shoppers about the batteries’ true manufacturer.
So if Duracell already sells its own branded batteries at Costco, why would the company also manufacture a cheaper competing product under the Kirkland name?
This guide covers who makes Costco’s Kirkland Signature batteries, how they compare to name brand Duracell batteries, and whether they are worth buying over the branded version.
So lets get started.
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Duracell Confirmed As The Kirkland Battery Manufacturer
Multiple reports confirm that Duracell manufactures Kirkland Signature batteries, with former CEO Craig Jelinek publicly acknowledging the arrangement in a 2016 interview with an Atlanta television station.
Duracell and Kirkland Signature remain the only two battery brands Costco carries in its warehouses, reinforcing how closely tied the retailer’s house brand is to its name brand supplier.
Kirkland Signature Versus Name Brand Duracell
Kirkland Signature AA and AAA alkaline batteries share the same core chemistry and roughly 12 year shelf life as standard Duracell batteries, though the Kirkland version lacks some of the extra features found on Duracell branded packaging.
Duracell branded batteries sold at Costco include additional marketing features and premium packaging that the Kirkland version does not, even though the underlying battery cell is produced through the same manufacturing relationship.
Why Companies Make Store Brand Products
Manufacturing a retailer’s private label product alongside a company’s own branded lineup is a common practice across many industries, allowing manufacturers like Costco suppliers to capture budget conscious shoppers who might otherwise buy a competitor’s cheaper battery.
This arrangement benefits both companies: Costco gets a reliable, well made battery to sell under its trusted Kirkland name, while Duracell secures guaranteed volume sales through one of the largest retailers in the country.
Where Kirkland Signature Batteries Are Manufactured
Since Kirkland Signature batteries are made by Duracell, they are manufactured at the same domestic and international plants Duracell uses for its own branded batteries, including facilities in Tennessee and Georgia.
This shared manufacturing footprint means Kirkland batteries benefit from Duracell’s established quality control processes rather than being produced by a separate, unrelated contract manufacturer.
Kirkland Batteries Versus Other Store Brands
Kirkland Signature batteries generally outperform many other retailer house brands in independent testing, largely because Duracell applies similar manufacturing standards to both its own and the Kirkland product line.
Unlike some store brands made by lesser known contract manufacturers, Kirkland Signature batteries benefit from being produced by one of the two dominant battery companies in the United States.
Are Kirkland Signature Batteries Worth Buying
Kirkland Signature batteries are widely praised for offering Duracell level performance at a lower price point, making them a popular choice among Costco members looking to save money on household batteries.
Common feedback compares Kirkland favorably against Duracell’s standard Coppertop line, with many users reporting no noticeable performance difference in everyday household devices.
Consumer reviews and comparisons frequently recommend Kirkland Signature batteries specifically because of the confirmed Duracell manufacturing relationship, viewing them as a genuine bargain rather than an inferior store brand.
For Costco members buying batteries in bulk for household use, Kirkland Signature offers essentially the same performance as name brand Duracell batteries at meaningfully lower cost per unit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Makes Costco’s Battery Brand
Who makes Costco’s Kirkland Signature batteries?
Kirkland Signature batteries are made by Duracell, which manufactures them alongside its own branded battery lineup for exclusive sale at Costco.
How do Kirkland batteries compare to Duracell batteries?
Kirkland Signature batteries share the same core chemistry and shelf life as standard Duracell batteries, though Duracell branded packaging includes some additional features Kirkland does not.
Are Kirkland batteries actually Duracell?
Yes, former Costco CEO Craig Jelinek confirmed in 2016 that Duracell manufactures Kirkland Signature batteries sold at Costco warehouses.
Does Costco sell any other battery brands besides Kirkland?
Yes, Costco also sells name brand Duracell batteries alongside its Kirkland Signature line, making Duracell and Kirkland the only two battery brands the retailer carries.
For more on Costco’s broader ownership and business model, see who owns Costco.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.