Costco's Kirkland Signature Tequila: A Consumer's Tale of Misrepresentation and Adulteration
The retail giant Costco is facing a lawsuit alleging that its Kirkland Signature tequila is a sham. The Seattle-based consumer-rights law firm Hagens Berman has accused Costco of knowingly selling adulterated tequila containing significant amounts of non-agave sugars, despite marketing it as a premium product.
The lawsuit, filed on November 14, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, highlights the discrepancy between Costco's marketing and the actual quality of the tequila. Despite labeling it as '100% DE AGAVE' and '100% AGAVE AZUL', scientific testing has revealed the presence of non-agave sugars, contradicting Costco's claims.
The affected products include Kirkland Blanco Tequila, Reposado Tequila, Añejo Tequila, Añejo Cristalino Tequila, and Extra Tequila Añejo. Consumers who purchased these tequilas in the U.S. may be eligible for compensation.
The lawsuit also mentions similar claims against Diageo, a global conglomerate and maker of Casamigos and Don Julio brand tequila.
The market for premium tequila has been booming, with sales growing 1,270% since 2003 and super-premium brands up 1,500% over the same period. However, the lawsuit argues that Costco's actions undermine consumer trust and violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as state consumer protection laws.
The Consejo Regulador Del Tequila A.C. (CRT), an organization responsible for ensuring compliance with the Tequila NOM, is also under scrutiny. The lawsuit questions CRT's independence, suggesting that it is dominated by representatives of well-known tequila producers, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Hagens Berman, the law firm representing the consumers, aims to hold Costco accountable for its deceptive practices and recover losses incurred by affected consumers.
This case highlights the importance of transparency and authenticity in the food and beverage industry, especially when it comes to premium products. Consumers deserve to know what they are paying for, and companies must uphold their marketing promises.
