Costco is being sued over its Kirkland Signature tequila.
The class-action lawsuit claims the retailer falsely advertised the product as “100% de Agave” or “100% Blue Agave” when it actually contains “cheaper, non-agave alcohol, misleading consumers across the country.”
Labeling the product as 100% agave tells customers the tequila was made solely from the Blue Weber agave plant. However, attorneys stated, scientific testing revealed the presence of non-agave sugars in the Kirkland products.
This image depicts Kirkland Signature tequila that is labeled as “100% de Agave.” (Image courtesy of Hagens Berman)
Lawsuit alleges Kirkland Signature tequila contains other sugars, alcohols
The complaint claims the tequila has significant levels of cane or other types of alcohol, rather than pure tequila.
“By falsely branding Kirkland Tequila Products as ‘100% de Agave,’ or ‘100% Blue Agave,’ Costco misled consumers, distorted the premium tequila market, and profited from a deception that violates the core principles of consumer protection law,” the lawsuit stated.
The firm alleges Costco violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and consumer protection laws by deceiving customers.
Products named in the lawsuit include: Costco Kirkland Blanco Tequila, Costco Kirkland Reposado Tequila, Costco Kirkland Añejo Tequila, Costco Kirkland Añejo Cristalino Tequila, and Costco Kirkland Tequila Extra Añejo.
More than 10 plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages.
MyNorthwest has reached out to Costco for comment.
Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here.
