Costco Faces Lawsuit for Misleading ‘100% Agave’ Tequila Labeling
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Costco regarding its Kirkland Signature tequila, claiming misleading labeling. The suit alleges that the tequila, advertised as made from “100% Blue Weber agave,” may contain additional sugars and ethanol from other sources. Shoppers expect premium quality from tequila that meets this label standard.
Details of the Lawsuit Against Costco
The lawsuit was initiated by plaintiff Ariel Glazer, who argues that customers paid inflated prices based on the tequila’s labeling. The products in question include three varieties: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. Currently, these tequilas are unavailable on Costco’s website, with prices typically ranging from $18 to $31.
Misleading Claims and Testing Results
According to the complaint, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) testing revealed substantial amounts of cane sugar in Kirkland Signature Añejo Cristalino. In fact, the sugar content was so high that it disqualified the product from being labeled as tequila, which legally must contain at least 51% blue agave. The lawsuit contends that all Kirkland Signature tequilas are derived from the same base spirit, implying that similar issues could exist across the brand.
Legal Allegations
- Negligence
- Negligent misrepresentation
- Unjust enrichment
- Violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act
In light of these allegations, the plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial, along with declaratory and injunctive relief. They also seek compensatory damages for all affected customers who may have relied on the misleading “100% Blue Weber agave” label.
Impact on Consumers
The outcome of this lawsuit may have significant implications for consumers who expect transparency in product labeling. As tequila’s popularity continues to rise, ensuring the authenticity of such products is crucial for maintaining trust in the market.
