Tag Archives: Kroger

Posted on by

Kroger to host First Pitch and Town Hall events at the Natural Products Expo West event in Anaheim, California

CINCINNATI, 2018-Mar-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) is excited to announce its participation in the Natural Products Expo West event in Anaheim, California to continue building relationships with emerging brands.

“This is Kroger’s 16th year to participate in Expo West,” said Jill McIntosh, Kroger’s vice president of natural foods. “Through our exclusive First Pitch and Town Hall events, we are increasing our presence and accessibility at the Expo. This year is our biggest activation. We will have more than 40 Kroger representatives participate, ranging from buyers and category managers to merchandising executives.”

Kroger anticipates a robust number of suppliers engaging with the company’s representatives during its First Pitch event, which provides innovative, ready-to-go-to-market businesses the opportunity to present their products to the retailer.

“Our customers’ appetite for better-for-you products continues to grow year-over-year. The natural foods category has become mainstream—it is no longer a niche market,” added Ms. McIntosh. “Along with growing our Simple Truth® brand, which reached $2 billion in annual sales in 2017, we will continue to focus on developing new partnerships at micro and macro levels to expand this category. Innovation is key in this space and this is one of the reasons we have attended Expo West since 2002 and recently started our Natural Foods Innovation Summit series.”

Kroger’s Town Hall will focus on its merchandising leaders sharing the Restock Kroger plan along with hosting discussions about ecommerce and Kroger Precision Marketing powered by 84.51° in front of an anticipated group of 500 individuals representing more than 270 suppliers. During the event, industry leaders, including CPGs and Kroger’s own Simple Truth® and sustainability experts, will lead a panel about sustainable practices, a focus of the natural foods industry.

The Town Hall will also feature a celebrity chef tasting that spotlights Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, which aims to end hunger in its communities and eliminate food waste in its company by 2025. Kroger is partnering with three distinguished chefs—Roy Choi, Phillip Frankland Lee and Chelsea’s Messy Apron—to host the event.

Kroger will host its third Natural Foods Innovation Summit this June in Cincinnati, Ohio.

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are nearly half a million associates who serve nine million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger EVP and CFO Mike Schlotman to present at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2018 Consumer & Retail Technology Conference

CINCINNATI, 2018-Mar-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today (March 7, 2018) announced that Mike Schlotman, Kroger’s executive vice president and CFO, will address investors at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2018 Consumer & Retail Technology Conference at 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

The presentation will broadcast online at ir.kroger.com.  Click on “Events, Presentations & Webcasts” to access the event.  The presentation will be available in an archived format for one week following the conference.

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are nearly half a million associates who serve nine million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger opens its Culinary Innovation Center in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio

Company completes construction on new test kitchen and training facility in downtown Cincinnati

CINCINNATI, 2018-Feb-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kroger (NYSE: KR) announced today it has opened its Culinary Innovation Center in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.

“Kroger’s new Culinary Innovation Center is an exciting state-of-the-art test kitchen and education center,” said Daniel Hammer, Kroger’s vice president of culinary development and new business. “As we focus on redefining the customer experience and developing talent through food inspiration and uplift, as outlined in Restock Kroger, this R&D lab will allow us to accelerate product development for Our Brands, produce new recipes for Prep + Pared Meal Kits, explore new restaurant concepts, host food tastings and focus groups, and increase our associates’ culinary knowledge.”

Kroger commenced construction on the 12,000-square-feet, LEED-designed Center in March 2017. The commercial kitchen features multiple cooking stations, spaces and capabilities, including technology that allows video streaming of educational sessions to Kroger associates across the country.

“The Center gives our culinary team a fun, modern space to innovate and experiment with food trends, flavors, and ingredients to create new experiences for our customers,” added Mr. Hammer.

Kroger introduced its first restaurant concept Kitchen 1883 in November 2017 and launched its Prep+Pared Meal Kits earlier in the same year, which are available for purchase in stores and through ClickList. Kroger has plans to rapidly grow the footprint of Prep+Pared Meal Kits in 2018.

“Kroger has operated grocery stores since 1883; we know food. People will always eat, but the way they eat will always change. Our new Center is one more tool we have to keep our pulse on customer trends and expand our foodie culture,” said Mr. Hammer.

About Kroger
At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 453,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers every day in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger to sell 762 convenience store business to EG Group for $2.15 billion

CINCINNATI and BLACKBURN, United Kingdom, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and EG Group, a privately-held petrol forecourt convenience store retailer based in Blackburn, Lancashire, United Kingdom, today (Feb. 5, 2018) announced a definitive agreement for the sale of Kroger’s convenience store business unit to EG Group for $2.15 billion. The companies expect to close the transaction during the first quarter of Kroger’s fiscal year.

As part of the agreement, EG Group will establish their North American headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio and continue to operate stores under their established banner names.

Kroger announced in October 2017 its intention to explore strategic alternatives for its convenience store business, including a potential sale, in conjunction with Restock Kroger.

“Our convenience store business has been a part of our company for many years. We want to thank our management team and associates for their enduring commitment to our customers, and for the contributions they have made to build our supermarket fuel business,” said Mike Schlotman, Kroger’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. “As part of our regular review of assets, it has become clear that our strong convenience store business unit will better meet its full potential outside of our business.”

“One of the most important considerations in our decision-making process was continued operations to ensure minimal disruption to our associates. We are very pleased the EG Group plans to establish their North American headquarters in Cincinnati. EG Group is also a recognized international petrol forecourt convenience operator and they have a commercial model which clearly looks to enhance the consumer offer by working with leading retail brands customers know and trust,” said Mr. Schlotman. “This is good for our associates across the country and for our headquarter city of Cincinnati. Throughout the process we were impressed with the EG Group’s professionalism, investment commitment and more importantly their understanding of the US convenience retail market. We now look forward to working with them closely to ensure a smooth transition for associates.”

Mohsin Issa, EG Group Founder and co-CEO expressed “This is an exciting time for EG Group, the entry into the US market presents a fantastic opportunity to deliver a successful retail offer to consumers across the various states. We have had much success across Europe and we firmly believe the Kroger assets present a fantastic foundation to overlay our retail experience and know-how in the US. We are committed to investing in the Kroger network, partnering with leading retail brands and working with the exceptional management team and associates transferring across to deliver a comprehensive retail offer.”

“Our business model is simple but effective – EG Group is creating a stronger relationship between consumers and leading retail brands they want to access. In the US we aim to create a retail environment which delivers convenience, provides value and serves as a retail destination offering excellent welfare to motorists who live and work near our petrol forecourt convenience retail  stores,” added Zuber Issa, EG Group Founder and co-CEO.

Kroger plans to use net proceeds from the sale to repurchase shares and to lower its net total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio.

Kroger’s convenience store business operates in 18 states.  It includes 66 franchise operations.  The stores employ 11,000 associates and operate under the following banner names: Turkey Hill, Loaf ‘N Jug, Kwik Shop, Tom Thumb and Quik Stop. Kroger’s convenience store business generated revenue of $4 billion, including selling 1.2 billion gallons of fuel, in 2016.

Kroger’s supermarket fuel centers and its Turkey Hill Dairy are not included in the sale.

Additional Information

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.  The company expects the transaction to close quickly as EG Group has no U.S. presence today.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Kroger and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is acting as legal advisor to Kroger.

Morgan Stanley, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Barclays are acting as financial advisors to EG Group. Allen & Overy is acting as legal advisor to EG Group.

About Kroger

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are 453,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers every day in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

About EG Group

Founded in 2001 by brothers Zuber and Mohsin Issa, United Kingdom based EG Group is a leading petrol forecourt retail convenience operator who has established partnerships with global brands such as ESSO, BP, Shell, Carrefour, Louis Delhaize, SPAR, Starbucks, Burger King, KFC, Greggs and Subway.  The business has an established pedigree of delivering a world class fuel, convenience and food-to-go offer.

The EG Group currently employs over 12,500 staff working in over 2,600 sites across various European markets including the United Kingdom, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Italy. In 2017, the business secured approximately 1,000 petrol forecourt assets from Esso in Germany which will be transferred and integrated into the existing network in Q4, 2018. With the inclusion of the Kroger assets, EG Group will own and operate circa 4,400 sites across Europe and the US.

EG Group has made a significant commitment to delivering a modern consumer retail offer which exceeds expectations and creates a true ‘one-stop’ retail destination to satisfy multiple consumer missions. The business is regularly recognized for innovation and investment in convenience retail assets, the employees and the systems. Zuber Issa and Mohsin Issa, Founders and co-CEOs of Euro Garages, were jointly named the 2016 NACS Insight European Convenience Industry Leader of the Year.

Prior to including revenue from the convenience stores being acquired from Kroger, EG Group’s European business pro forma revenue (including Italy and Germany) is $14.5bn.  Including the revenue from Kroger’s C-store business gives total EG Group pro forma revenues of $18.5bn.

Further information at www.eurogarages.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, about the future performance of Kroger. These statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. These statements are indicated by words such as “plans” and similar words.  The closing of the transaction will be dependent upon approval receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to closing.  Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include the specific risk factors identified in “Risk Factors” and “Outlook” in Kroger’s annual report on Form 10-K for our last fiscal year and any subsequent filings, as well as the following:

Our ability to use free cash flow to continue to maintain our investment grade debt rating and repurchase shares, pay dividends, and fund capital investments, could be affected by unanticipated increases in net total debt, our inability to generate free cash flow at the levels anticipated, and our failure to generate expected earnings.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger’s organic produce business achieves $1 billion in annual sales

CINCINNATI, 2018-Feb-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced today (Feb. 1, 2018) its organic produce business has achieved $1 billion in annual sales.

“Kroger offers one of the largest organic produce departments in America, and we are proud to have led the way in making this category more mainstream, accessible and affordable,” said Robert Clark, Kroger’s senior vice president of merchandising. “We have a dedicated procurement team that partners with more than 300 organic produce growers and suppliers every year to bring our customers an exciting selection of organic fruits and vegetables.”

According to IRI, the U.S. organic produce market reached $5 billion in 2016 and it is growing.

“We know our customers want both organic and conventional choices,” Mr. Clark added. “Kroger makes it easy for our customers to shop how they want for their families. It’s just one more way we are redefining the customer experience as outlined in our Restock Kroger plan.”

Kroger’s top-selling organic produce includes bananas, apples, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and bagged salads.

Kroger recently announced Simple Truth® reached $2 billion in annual sales, marking the growing popularity of its brand of natural, organic and free-from products.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 453,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers every day in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger installs its new and exciting Scan, Bag, Go shopping technology in 18 operating divisions

Company to install innovative shopping technology at 400 stores in 2018

CINCINNATI, 2018-Feb-01 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced today (Jan. 31, 2018) it will introduce its new and exciting Scan, Bag, Go shopping technology in 18 operating divisions, making the service available this year to customers at 400 stores.

“With every new product, service and technology integration, Kroger is redefining the customer experience and reimagining the store of the future,” said Chris Hjelm, Kroger’s executive vice president and chief information officer. “After testing Scan, Bag, Go in several locations, we are bringing this transformative technology to new stores across the country through Restock Kroger.”

Kroger’s in-house research and development team invented and built the Scan, Bag, Go technology. Scan, Bag, Go allows customers to use a wireless handheld scanner or the Scan, Bag, Go app on their personal device to scan and bag products as they shop for a quicker, seamless checkout experience.

Scan, Bag, Go helps to create a personalized experience for customers throughout their shopping trip, allowing them to view and download digital coupons, keep a running total of their order, and view the current week’s sales ad.

Scan, Bag, Go customers currently visit a store’s self-checkout area to provide payment. Customers will soon have the ability to provide payment directly through the app, allowing shoppers to exit the store even quicker.

“Many of our customers have adopted this convenient new technology and responded favorably to the seamless checkout experience,” Mr. Hjelm added. “Scan, Bag, Go is one more choice, like ClickList, that Kroger provides so customers can choose when and how they want to shop with us.”

By the end of the year, Scan, Bag, Go will be available at select locations in the following divisions: Atlanta; Central; Cincinnati; Columbus; Dallas; Delta; Dillons; Fred Meyer; Fry’s; Houston; King Soopers; Louisville; Michigan; Mid-Atlantic; Nashville; Ralphs; Smith’s; and QFC.

“The installation of Scan, Bag, Go is a collaboration between the Kroger operations and tech teams that allows us to accelerate the adoption of new technologies in our stores,” said Mary Ellen Adcock, Kroger’s group vice president of retail operations. “We are always excited to execute innovative ideas that benefit our customers’ shopping experiences.”

Scan, Bag, Go will be offered as an option alongside traditional checkout lanes staffed by friendly associates, self-checkout, online ordering, curbside pickup, and home delivery in select cities.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 453,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers every day in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger leadership promotions: Steve McKinney as SVP of retail divisions, Monica Garnes as president of the Fry’s division

CINCINNATI, 2018-Feb-01 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today (Jan. 30, 2018) announced leadership promotions to support Restock Kroger. Steve McKinney, currently president of the Fry’s Food Stores division, has been promoted to senior vice president of retail divisions for the company, effective February 5. Monica Garnes, currently corporate vice president of produce-floral merchandising, will succeed Mr. McKinney as president of the Fry’s division.

Steve McKinney Promoted to Senior Vice President of Retail Divisions
Mr. McKinney began his career with Kroger in 1981 as a clerk for Florida Choice Supermarkets, a former Kroger banner. While there, he advanced to store manager, buyer and field representative. In 1988, he joined Fry’s in Phoenix, Arizona and served in various leadership positions, including deli director and executive director of operations. He was named vice president of operations for Fry’s in 1998. In 2006, Mr. McKinney was named vice president of operations for Kroger’s Southwest division. In 2007, he was named vice president of operations for the company’s Ralphs division. Mr. McKinney was named president of Fry’s in 2013.

“Steve’s nearly 37 years of Kroger experience and deep knowledge of food retail will help our divisions continue to execute with excellence,” said Mike Donnelly, Kroger’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Steve has always been passionate about creating uplifting associate and customer experiences. We look forward to him joining our senior leadership team as we continue to drive Restock Kroger.”

Monica Garnes Named President of Fry’s Division

Ms. Garnes launched her career with Kroger in 1995 when she joined the management training program in the Columbus division. She held a variety of leadership roles in her 23-year career with the company, including human resources coordinator, produce buyer, store manager, public affairs manager, and district manager before advancing to produce-floral merchandiser in the division. Ms. Garnes was promoted to vice president of merchandising for the Fry’s division in 2013, and named to her current role in 2015.

“Monica is a recognized leader in our business and across the industry,” said Mr. Donnelly. “She combines a willingness to embrace fresh ideas with a keen business savvy that yields real results. As the company’s first African-American division president, we are excited to have Monica drive and influence change in our company through her expertise and perspective, and we are eager for her to bring her passion for people and results to Fry’s.”

Ms. Garnes was twice-named one of the Top Women in Grocery by Progressive Grocer magazine and has been recognized as one of the “Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink” by Fortune and Food & Wine magazines. Ms. Garnes has supported the community as a member of the United Way’s Women of Tocqueville and Herbert R. Brown Society. She currently serves on the United Way of Greater Cincinnati Board of Directors, Mount St. Joseph University Board of Trustees, and Lucky’s Market Board of Trustees.

Fry’s is headquartered in Tolleson, Arizona. The company operates 123 stores and employs more than 22,000 associates.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 453,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers every day in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger invests in a new anaerobic digester at its manufacturing plant in Greensburg, Indiana as part of its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative

Company’s second anaerobic digester supports Zero Hunger | Zero Waste goals

CINCINNATI, 2018-Jan-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced today (Jan. 26, 2018) the successful startup of a new wastewater treatment system—an anaerobic digester—at K.B. Specialty Foods, a manufacturing plant owned and operated by the company in Greensburg, Indiana.

“Kroger recently announced its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, an exciting plan to end hunger in the communities we call home and eliminate waste in our company by 2025,” said Erin Sharp, Kroger’s group vice president of manufacturing. “With 33 of our 36 plants already reaching the Zero Waste manufacturing goals we established several years ago, these facilities have pioneered the way for us to achieve our moonshoot vision.”

K.B. Specialty Foods, which employs 270 associates and produces deli salads, cake icing and refrigerated side dishes, has been a Zero Waste facility since 2014, diverting more than 90 percent of waste produced from landfills each year, and is now home to the company’s second anaerobic digester.

The new $9.5 million anaerobic digester, which replaced a conventional wastewater treatment system, features a dome that captures biogas from food byproducts at the plant and converts it into energy through anaerobic digestion while also improving air quality.

“We invested in the digester because it improves our sustainability performance, supports better air quality and provides a cost savings to the company,” Ms. Sharp explained. “Once the digester is operating at its optimal level, we project it will have the capability to produce nearly 30 percent of the plant’s electricity.”

Kroger’s first anaerobic digester, which converts organic materials into renewable biogas, was installed in 2013 at the Ralphs-Food 4 Less distribution center in Compton, California.

“One of the four drivers of our company’s Restock Kroger plan is to Live Our Purpose through social impact,” Ms. Sharp added. “Our associates remain committed to reducing our impact on the environment by using natural resources responsibly and minimizing waste throughout our operations to help us achieve our Zero Waste goals.”

Follow the journey and join the conversation at thekrogerco.com and #ZeroHungerZeroWaste.

About Kroger
At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger announces its partnership with ReFED to help accelerate its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision

Food waste-focused nonprofit to aid in development of operational framework

CINCINNATI, 2018-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and The Kroger Co. Foundation today (Jan. 23, 2018) announced its partnership with ReFED, a multistakeholder nonprofit organization committed to reducing food waste in the U.S., while on stage at the Third Annual Food Rescue Summit hosted by Feeding America in Washington, D.C.

“When we shared our bold Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative in September, we emphasized our plans to establish a $10 million Innovation Fund within The Kroger Co. Foundation to address hunger, food waste and the paradoxical relationship between the two,” said Jessica Adelman, Kroger’s group vice president of corporate affairs. “Our newly-formed relationship with ReFED will challenge us to create the best strategy, structure and program to invest the funds in the most innovative solutions that will help end hunger in the communities we call home and eliminate waste in our company by 2025.”

There is a fundamental absurdity in the food system: 40 percent of the food produced in the U.S. goes to waste, yet 1 in 8 Americans struggles with hunger. Kroger believes it can address this absurdity because it has tremendous scale – the physical assets, the technology, the resources, the people and the passion – combined with local connections to its communities to tackle this challenge.

Kroger’s partnership with ReFED will help accelerate the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision. ReFED works with businesses, investors, innovators and policymakers to move the food system from acting on instinct to insights to solve the national food waste problem. The leaders at ReFED have deep knowledge and experience in food waste innovation, scaling solutions, and the philanthropic and impact investment sectors. ReFED has an innovator database with more than 400 food waste solutions providers, and the system closely tracks where investments are being made.

“Philanthropic capital is needed to foster innovation in ways that other sources of capital cannot; to target and scale solutions lacking a market-rate application, develop capacity for market-based solutions, and seed pilot projects, proofs of concept, and other market-building activities,” said Chris Cochran, ReFED’s executive director. “We’re excited to work alongside Kroger and The Kroger Co. Foundation – a true leader in bringing together capital and innovation to eliminate food waste.”

“At Kroger, our Purpose is to Feed the Human Spirit™, and it comes to life through Zero Hunger | Zero Waste,” Ms. Adelman added. “A company’s purpose and social impact matter now more than ever. Our Innovation Fund gives us a platform to work with food waste industry leaders and seek input from other partners and stakeholders to maximize its impact. We look forward to crowdsourcing ideas, funding prototypes and pilots, and bringing solutions that work to scale to transform our communities.”

Kroger continues its inaugural work with long-standing partners Feeding America and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to accelerate progress toward achieving its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision.

Follow the journey and join the conversation at thekrogerco.com and #ZeroHungerZeroWaste.

About ReFED 
ReFED is a multistakeholder nonprofit committed to reducing the $218 billion of food waste in the United States. ReFED works with businesses, investors, innovators, and policymakers throughout the food system to implement solutions, envisioning a future where combatting food waste is a core driver of business profits, job creation, hunger relief, and environmental protection. For more about ReFED’s work, visit www.refed.com.

About Kroger 
At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger expands its Simple Truth® brand

Largest natural and organic brand in the country continues to lead the industry

CINCINNATI, 2018-Jan-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced today the expansion of its Simple Truth® brand and launch of its largest-ever Our Brands customer sales promotion, featuring savings on thousands of Simple Truth® and Simple Truth Organic® items.

“We’re proud of the high-quality ingredients that go into our Simple Truth® products. We’re equally proud of what’s not in these foods. Simple Truth® products are free from 101+ artificial preservatives and ingredients,” said Robert Clark, Kroger’s senior vice president of merchandising. “Instead of GMOs and antibiotics, Simple Truth® offers clean labels and fantastic flavors. Kroger has led the way for more than a decade in making natural and organic products more mainstream and accessible. We’ve always believed that our customers shouldn’t have to pay higher prices just because a product is natural or organic. The truth is, we’ve always been affordable.”

Kroger introduced Simple Truth® in its fourth quarter 2012, and the brand now offers over 1,400 unique products across multiple categories, including grocery, meat, produce, deli, bakery, baby, household essentials and personal care. Simple Truth® also offers more Fair Trade Certified™ products than any other private label grocery brand in the country.

With the help of 84.51° insights, Simple Truth® will continue to innovate and introduce new affordable items in 2018 that align with customer trends, including increasingly popular categories like beverage, snacking and non-animal proteins. These growing trends have already inspired the Our Brands innovation team to develop exciting new items like Simple Truth Organic® sports drinks, Simple Truth Organic® sparkling coconut waters, Simple Truth® fruit and nut bars and Simple Truth® meatless entrees.

In Kroger’s third quarter 2017, Our Brands delivered strong performance, making up 28.2 percent of unit sales and 25.6 percent of sales dollars, excluding fuel and pharmacy. Simple Truth continued to grow in popularity the same quarter, with sales growing 19 percent.

“Our Brands is shaping the way we are redefining the grocery customer experience as outlined in our Restock Kroger plan,” Mr. Clark continued.

Simple Truth products are exclusive to the Kroger Family of Stores and customers can purchase the brand in a variety of ways: in a store; through ClickList; or Vitacost.com for ship-to-home delivery.

To learn more about Simple Truth, customers can visit www.simpletruth.com to download over $100 in digital coupon savings and view recipes, product reviews and nutrition advice.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 453,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers every day in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

Media Contacts

The Kroger Co. – General Office
Kristal Howard
Head of Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Email: kristal.howard@kroger.com

Posted on by

Kroger opens its 1,000th ClickList store and launches integrated digital shopping experience for ClickList

In Q3 2017, company’s 109 percent digital revenue growth was driven by ClickList

CINCINNATI, 2017-Dec-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kroger announced today it has opened its 1,000th ClickList store and launched the latest seamless and integrated digital shopping experience for ClickList.

“As part of our Restock Kroger plan, we continually invest in redefining our customers’ grocery shopping experiences by bringing online and offline seamlessly together through digital innovation,” shared Yael Cosset, Kroger’s Chief Digital Officer. “Our customers tell us they want multiple ways to shop. We are committed to leveraging a combination of insights from 84.51˚, advanced technology and our digital platform to give our customers the ability to shop when and how they want to make their lives easier.”

The seamless digital experience focuses on providing Kroger customers with quicker and easier access to relevant products and recipes, digital coupons, weekly ads and shopping lists joined by an easy-to-use, fully integrated ClickList experience.

“Whether our customers are shopping with us in a store or online this holiday season for groceries, meal solutions, health and beauty products, seasonal items or flowers, we want it to be a simple, personalized experience that saves them time and money,” Mr. Cosset added.

Kroger introduced its first ClickList store in November 2014 in Liberty Township, Ohio. Over the last 3 years, Kroger has experienced tremendous growth and accelerated customer adoption across the country from coast to coast. Today, it is announcing its 1,000th location at its Milford, Ohio store near its headquarters in Cincinnati.

“This exciting milestone is a testament to the impact of our digital shopping platform as well as the consistent and rewarding experience delivered to our customers by our talented store associates,” Mr. Cosset said. “Next year, we plan to expand our seamless service to more markets, ultimately making this convenient shopping experience available to every one of the 60 million families who shop with us annually.”

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are 453,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers every day in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger and IBT establish the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Consolidated Pension Fund designed to provide associates with secure pension

Associates Approve Kroger Withdrawal from Central States Pension Fund

CINCINNATI, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. and International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced today the ratification of a new labor agreement that provides for Kroger’s withdrawal from the Central States Pension Fund. The new labor agreement covers associates represented by the IBT at three distribution centers and two dairy manufacturing facilities operated by Kroger.

Kroger and IBT have been working together for several years on a plan to protect the pensions of Kroger associates at these facilities, who are participants in the Central States Pension Fund.  The Central States Pension Fund projects it will go insolvent in 2025.

Kroger and IBT have established a new fund, called the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Consolidated Pension Fund that is designed to provide Kroger associates with a secure pension.

Included in this agreement are current Kroger associates/IBT members working at facilities in Hutchinson and Goddard, KS; Houston, TX; Memphis, TN; Indianapolis, IN; and Livonia, MI.  The total number of active associates covered is about 1,800. In February, Roundy’s associates working at a distribution center in Oconomowoc, WI ratified the same agreement.

Kroger’s withdrawal from Central States Pension Fund is effective December 10, 2017.  Kroger’s withdrawal does not require the approval of Central States. Kroger will make payments to Central States to fulfill its withdrawal liability obligation.

Under the ratified agreement, the benefits current associates have earned as participants of Central States will be protected.  Here’s how –

  • The new IBT pension fund will make up benefits that are reduced by Central States as a result of Kroger’s withdrawal.
  • Should Central States become insolvent and benefits are reduced, the IBT Consolidated Pension Fund will restore benefit reductions above the level guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).

Moving forward, current associates also will begin earning a new pension benefit through a formula negotiated by Kroger and the IBT and ratified by members.

“Given the uncertain future of Central States and the potential adverse impact on our members, the National Committee felt the move to the IBT Consolidated Plan will ensure they have a stable and reliable retirement benefit in the future,” said Steve Vairma, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Vice President.”

“This is a good agreement for our current associates and our company. It provides our current associates security for their future retirement and the company financial certainty regarding this important investment in our associates,” said Mike Schlotman, Kroger’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

In 2015, the Company and the IBT negotiated, and members ratified, an agreement that would have transferred Kroger associates and retirees from Central States to the new IBT fund.  This transfer required the approval of Central States. The Central States Trustees have not agreed to the transfer. This led Kroger and the IBT to negotiate an agreement providing for Kroger’s withdrawal from Central States, while preserving the possibility of a transfer.

About IBT
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information.

About Kroger
At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are 453,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers every day in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

The Kroger Co. – General Office
Kristal Howard
Head of Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Email: kristal.howard@kroger.com

Posted on by

Kroger partners with Chase Pay to offer mobile payments for online and in-lane purchases

Redesigning grocery payment experience enables seamless transactions while delivering cost savings for the future

CINCINNATI, 2017-Dec-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. is teaming up with Chase Pay—the digital engagement wallet from JPMorgan Chase & Co.— to offer mobile payments starting with select retail markets and e-commerce programs in 2018.

Kroger’s payment solutions are a part of the company’s Restock Kroger Plan, the strategy to create shareholder value by redefining how America eats. One of the key strategic drivers is to expand partnerships to create customer value, which includes Kroger forming alliances to accelerate digital and e-commerce platforms.

“Technology is transforming our customers’ experiences and greatly influencing how we are reimagining the store of the future,” said Chris Hjelm, Kroger’s Chief Information Officer. “Mobile wallets enable a more seamless shopping experience for our customers and at the same time, can help us drive cost out of our business.”

“This is a significant win for our customers who now will be able to save time and money using Chase Pay at one of the top retailers in the country,” said Jennifer Roberts, Head of Digital Products at Chase. “Kroger is one of the places our customers shop the most, and it’s great to deliver more value to both a key partner and our customers.”

Through the partnership, Chase’s 65 million customers will have an opportunity to use Chase Pay at Kroger for online and in-lane purchases.

For more information about The Kroger Co., visit www.TheKrogerCo.com.

For more information about Chase Pay, visit www.ChasePay.com.

About Kroger 
At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 453,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers every day in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

About Chase 
Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.6 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves nearly half of America’s households with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: 5,300 branches, 16,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to Chase.com.

Contact:

513/782-3300

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger spreads holiday cheer through its 25 Merry Days campaign

CINCINNATI, 2017-Dec-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kroger (NYSE: KR) is spreading holiday cheer through its 25 Merry Days campaign running through December 25.

The 25 Merry Days website offers sweet and savory recipes, gift ideas, hosting advice, party planning tips plus daily digital coupons to help customers save on popular holiday items, including food, toys and home products. On National Cookie Day, celebrated on December 4, customers can visit the website to download discounts for cookie products and to find the featured cookie of the day recipe.

“This season, Kroger is excited to further integrate our digital platform with our in-store experience to help our customers save even more on items for holiday gatherings and gifting,” said Jody Kalmbach, Kroger’s vice president of digital experience. “Sharing a meal with loved ones is what matters most during the holiday season, and Kroger is here to make it a little easier for our customers to find every ingredient they need for their celebrations at a great price.”

Customers are encouraged to share their holiday fun on social media by posting a photo with #25MerryDays to Twitter or Instagram or by commenting on Kroger’s related Facebook posts for a chance to win free groceries for a year. Official contest rules are available here.

Customers can sign up for email alerts at www.25MerryDays.com or text “MERRY” to 99894 to receive daily text reminders.

“Our 25 Merry Days campaign is just one way we are living our purpose and redefining the grocery customer experience driven by our Restock Kroger Plan,” Ms. Kalmbach added. “Kroger is committed to accelerating our digital initiatives to create a seamless, uplifting shopping experience for our customers.”

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

Contact:
Patty Leesemann
513-782-8745
patty.leesemann@kroger.com

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger launches television and radio ads to boost awareness of its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative

Kroger launches television and radio ads to boost awareness of its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative

 

CINCINNATI, 2017-Nov-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today (Nov. 24, 2017) announced it has introduced television and radio ads in 191 media markets across the U.S. to increase awareness of its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, established last September.

“Yesterday millions of families came together to enjoy Thanksgiving,” said Jessica Adelman, Kroger’s group vice president of corporate affairs. “Kroger and our family of stores love being a part of America’s Thanksgiving celebrations. At the same time, we acknowledge the absurdity that one in eight people struggle with hunger while 40 percent of the food produced in the U.S. each year goes to waste. That just doesn’t make sense to us. And this season, we are grateful for our associates and trusted partners who are committed to doing something about it.”

Zero Hunger | Zero Waste is aimed at ending hunger in the communities Kroger calls home and eliminating waste across its company by 2025. Across the U.S., 42 million Americans struggle with hunger. At the same time, an estimated 72 billion pounds of food ends up in a landfill every year.

Earlier this month, Kroger launched a strategic media campaign and introduced television and radio advertisements in key markets to boost its customers’ awareness and engagement with the initiative. The campaign will run through the holiday season supported by store-level customer giving programs benefiting local food banks and hunger-relief organizations and Kroger’s year-round, industry-leading, fresh food donations program.

“Our Purpose is to Feed the Human Spirit™ by uplifting each other, our customers and our communities. Kroger is inviting everyone who is passionate about feeding people and protecting the planet to join us in helping us realize our vision of Zero Hunger | Zero Waste,” Ms. Adelman added.

Kroger has partnered with Feeding America and World Wildlife Fund to achieve its vision, and is crowdsourcing for solutions and asking communities, partners and other stakeholders for ideas, feedback and best practices.

Follow the journey and join the conversation at thekrogerco.com and #ZeroHungerZeroWaste.

About Kroger

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed The Human SpiritTM.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

###

Posted on by

Kroger introduces new, premium and sustainable Our Brands floral line — BLOOM HAUS™

CINCINNATI, 2017-Nov-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today introduced BLOOM HAUS™, a new, premium and sustainable Our Brands floral line launching in Kroger’s family of stores just in time for the holidays. Enhancing and building Our Brands as a vibrant growth vehicle is a driver of the company’s Restock Kroger Plan.

“Customers can always count on our professional florists to help them find the perfect item from our broad assortment of unique floral offerings,” said Teri Rose, Kroger’s director of floral merchandising. “Whether for gifting, special occasions or just because, BLOOM HAUS™will provide our customers with an elegant, fresh and fabulous new floral line to choose from. Cultivated with care, your personal selection from our bountiful assortment is a wonderful way to elevate your day, brighten any moment or make someone’s day blossom.”

All BLOOM HAUS™ flowers will carry the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal ensuring the product is grown on farms that meet social and environmental standards designed to protect forests, soil, water, wildlife, and the communities and people who live and work in those forests and farms. The green frog seal assures customers the flowers they are purchasing have been grown and harvested using environmentally- and socially-responsible practices.

BLOOM HAUS™ is included in Kroger’s e-commerce assortment. The flowers can be conveniently ordered by customers and picked up curbside at nearly 1,000 ClickList stores, joining an extensive selection of flower choices, fresh food and everyday products at low prices. As Kroger’s home delivery service expands, BLOOM HAUS™ flowers will also be available for purchase, enabling customers to brighten their day or that of a family member or friend.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

The Kroger Co. – General Office

Kristal Howard
Head of Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Email: kristal.howard@kroger.com

Posted on by

Kroger expands its cloud computing portfolio with Google Cloud Platform

CINCINNATI, 2017-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today (Nov. 8, 2017) announced its cloud computing portfolio is expanding with Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

“The adoption of Google Cloud Platform signals our commitment to positioning Kroger as an industry leader for digital programs such as ship-to-home and home delivery,” said Chris Hjelm, Kroger’s Chief Information Officer. “Kroger Technology has been working to accelerate our ability to deliver our business the tools and technology-enabled services that support growth as outlined in our Restock Kroger Plan. The expansion of our cloud computing portfolio will be a foundational cornerstone to current and future initiatives that will drive measurable business value by advancing Kroger’s ability to offer the digital and e-commerce services our customers want most.”

GCP’s portfolio of products, services and tools enables its customers to modernize their operations for today’s digital world. The addition of GCP provides a new pattern that will be available for Kroger and its subsidiaries. Kroger now operates agreements with Google, Microsoft and Pivotal. This portfolio brings a new level of capability that will help Kroger Technology accelerate delivery of new technology-based innovations to better serve customers and to grow the business.

To manage the portfolio, Kroger is creating a cloud enablement team. This talent will focus on different aspects of cloud computing: product management; private and public cloud engineering and operations; cloud architecture; code infrastructure; automation; and security architecture. This team will be comprised of specialized talent, including Kroger Technology associates and external recruits. For more information about Kroger Technology and available career opportunities, visit its job profiles page.

In 2016, Computerworld named Kroger Technology as one of the “100 best places to work in IT.”

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

Contact:

(Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; northern Kentucky, southeastern Indiana)
Patty Leesemann
513-782-8745
patty.leesemann@kroger.com

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger to hire 14,000 part-time and seasonal roles this holiday season

CINCINNATI, 2017-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that it is hiring for an estimated 14,000 part-time and seasonal roles across its family of companies this holiday season. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply at jobs.kroger.com.

“We are delighted to welcome new associates to our team this holiday season,” said Lanell Ohlinger, vice president of talent development. “At Kroger, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of more than nine million customers who shop with us every day. If you love people and you love food, our stores are a wonderful place to help make customers’ lives and celebrations easier and a little bit brighter.”

Talent Development is a core driver of the company’s recently-announced Restock Kroger Plan. As part of Restock Kroger, the company plans to invest an incremental $500 million in human capital over the next three years. This will be in addition to Kroger’s continued efforts to rebalance pay and benefits while also focusing on certifications and performance incentives, career opportunities, and training.

“Now more than ever, Kroger is a great place to come for a job and stay for a great career,” Ms. Ohlinger added.

Kroger also remains committed to hiring veterans, military service members and their families. Kroger has hired more than 43,000 veterans since 2009 and more than 9,600 veterans in 2017.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

Contact:

(Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; northern Kentucky, southeastern Indiana)
Patty Leesemann
513-782-8745
patty.leesemann@kroger.com

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger: Ralphs now offers home delivery service in Southern California through partnership with Instacart

CINCINNATI, 2017-Nov-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ralphs Grocery Company, a division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), today (Nov. 7, 2017) announced it is offering home delivery in select locations in Southern California through a partnership with Instacart, the technology-driven, nationwide on-demand retail delivery service.

This pilot in Southern California supports two key drivers of the company’s Restock Kroger Plan: Expand Partnerships to Create Customer Value and Redefine the Food and Grocery Customer Experience.

“Kroger’s success has always depended on our ability to evolve with our customers. Offering home delivery powered by Instacart in Southern California is another way we are accelerating our digital and ecommerce efforts to create new and highly-relevant customer experiences,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “Restock Kroger builds on our strengths, including our incredibly convenient locations and platforms for pickup and delivery within one-to-two miles of our customers.”

“The Kroger Co. is leading the way in ecommerce grocery adoption, enabling consumers across the country to have access to fresh, quality food at the push of a button,” said Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Instacart. “I’m proud that by partnering with Kroger, Instacart is solving the last frontier for the customer.”

For the past several years, Kroger has been actively experimenting with numerous digital and ecommerce models, and applying its data and customer insights expertise through 84.51°, with a focus on delivering a differentiated and personalized experience to its customers. Today across the country Kroger offers home delivery from nearly 200 store locations in partnership with service providers including Shipt, deliv, Roadie, Uber, and others. This is in addition to the company’s ClickList and Harris Teeter ExpressLane locations – Kroger’s personalized, order-online service – now available to customers in more than 900 stores. This service will be available in more than 1,000 locations by the end of the year. In Kroger’s third quarter, reported on September 8, 2017, digital revenue was up 126%, driven by ClickList sales.

The company plans to pilot Ralphs delivery Powered by Instacart in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, Pasadena, San Fernando Valley, Thousand Oaks and Beach communities by the end of November.

About Kroger
At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

About Instacart
Instacart helps people cross grocery shopping off their to-do lists with just a few clicks. Customers use the Instacart website or app to fill their virtual shopping cart with items from their favorite, local stores and Instacart connects them with shoppers who hand pick the items and deliver them straight to their door. Founded in San Francisco in 2012, Instacart has quickly scaled to over 150 markets nationwide and partnered with retailers across the United States, including popular national chains as well as local, regional grocers. By combining a personal touch with cutting-edge technology, Instacart offers customers a simple solution to save time and eat fresh food from the most trusted grocery brands. Instacart is the only grocery service that can meet today’s on-demand lifestyle by delivering in as little as one hour. First delivery is free at www.instacart.com.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger introduces a modern lifestyle apparel brand

CINCINNATI, 2017-Nov-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced today (Nov. 3, 2017) the introduction of a modern lifestyle apparel brand, built from the ground up to engage consumers in a new way.

“This new brand gives Kroger a chance to inspire and connect with our customers, offering effortless style every day – from elevated basics to fashionable highlights,” said Robert Clark, Kroger’s senior vice president of merchandising. “This new offering is on-trend, convenient, and right in line with our customers’ needs.”

Launching with children, young men, juniors, men and women, the line will offer active-inspired cuts and materials that move with consumers – clothes to truly live life in, and look good doing it. The brand will be playful, simple, and uplifting, speaking to all those who want to look and live their best.

“This launch of Our Brands fashion will re-invigorate Kroger’s apparel line. We will be able to serve our customers across the country the inspiration they are looking for, which translates into an immense opportunity for growth in sales, share, and loyalty,” Mr. Clark added.

The apparel brand will debut first at Fred Meyer and Kroger Marketplace stores, totaling 300 locations across the country, starting in fall 2018.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™.We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

Contact:

Cincinnati/Dayton Division
(Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; northern Kentucky, southeastern Indiana)
Patty Leesemann
513-782-8745
patty.leesemann@kroger.com

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger: Mike Donnelly Named Executive VP and COO; Fred Morganthall retires

  • EVP of Retail Operations Fred Morganthall to Retire;
  • EVP of Merchandising Mike Donnelly Named EVP and COO

CINCINNATI, 2017-Oct-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced its executive leadership team to support the company’s Restock Kroger Plan.

“Kroger is fortunate to have a leadership team that combines deep experience with creative new talent as we strategically reposition the company through our Restock Kroger Plan,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO.

Fred Morganthall, Kroger’s executive vice president of retail operations, will retire after 31 years of distinguished service, effective November 30. Mike Donnelly, currently Kroger’s executive vice president of merchandising, will assume responsibility for both operations and merchandising as executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective November 1.

Kroger’s key lines of business continue to be led by three executive vice presidents who are driving execution of Restock Kroger: Mr. Donnelly, Mike Schlotman, who serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Chris Hjelm, who serves as executive vice president and chief information officer.

Fred Morganthall to Retire after 31 Years of Service
Mr. Morganthall will retire from the company after 31 years of service, and 44 years in the food industry.

“There are few people in our industry as widely respected as Fred,” said Mr. McMullen. “He worked tirelessly to establish the Harris Teeter brand and, after our merger, to help position Kroger for future success. We’ve all benefited from Fred’s passion for grocery retail and operational excellence. We are grateful for Fred’s distinguished service and many contributions to Kroger and Harris Teeter, and we wish him and his family all the best.”

Mr. Morganthall’s professional life began at Procter & Gamble in 1973. His career in grocery retail began in 1978 at Spartan Stores in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he was responsible for grocery, frozen and dairy purchasing as well as general merchandise and beauty care. In 1986, he joined Harris Teeter as director of grocery merchandising. With Harris Teeter, Mr. Morganthall served in a number of executive management positions, including vice president of merchandising, vice president of distribution and vice president of operations before being named president in 1997. Under his leadership, Harris Teeter grew and firmly established its identity as a retailer that provides exceptional customer service and in-store experience.

After the 2013 merger of Kroger and Harris Teeter, Mr. Morganthall was named Kroger’s senior vice president in June 2015. He was promoted to his current role, executive vice president of retail operations, in September 2015.

Mr. Morganthall has been an active leader in industry organizations, including serving as chair of the Food Marketing Institute. In 2016, FMI honored him with its most prestigious leadership recognition, the Sidney R. Rabb Award.

Mr. Morganthall and his wife, Judy, plan to spend time with family, especially grandchildren, and look forward to traveling together.

Mike Donnelly Named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Donnelly, Kroger’s executive vice president of merchandising, will assume responsibility for the company’s operations and merchandising as EVP and COO, effective November 1.

“Mike and his team will help us redefine the food and grocery experience for customers and drive sales,” said Mr. McMullen. “By bringing merchandising and operations together under Mike’s leadership, we will build synergies between our teams and accelerate our efforts to establish a truly seamless customer experience.”

Mr. Donnelly began his career at Fry’s Food Stores in California in 1978. He advanced to several leadership positions at Fry’s, including district management. He was named vice president of merchandising for Fry’s in 1995 and promoted to president of the Fry’s division in 2000. He has served as Kroger’s senior vice president of drug/GM, president of the company’s Ralphs division, and senior vice president of merchandising before being promoted to his current position in 2015.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kristal Howard
Head of Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Email: kristal.howard@kroger.com

Posted on by

Kroger Central division President Katie Wolfram to retire; Pam Matthews to succeed

CINCINNATI, 2017-Oct-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today (Oct. 17, 2017) announced the retirement of Central division President Katie Wolfram and the promotion of Pam Matthews, currently the QFC division president, to succeed her. Suzy Monford will join the company to serve as the president of the QFC division.

“We are grateful for Katie’s nearly 40 years of dedicated service to our associates and customers, and we are excited to have Pam and Suzy take on these indispensable leadership roles in our company,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “Both leaders bring successful and distinguished retail experience to the roles and will help with the execution of the Restock Kroger Plan that will bring valuable changes to our customers, associates, communities and shareholders.”

Katie Wolfram to Retire after 38 Years of Service 
Ms. Wolfram will retire from the company after 38 years of distinguished service, effective November 4.

“Katie has accomplished much in her career with Kroger and has always been passionate about creating an inclusive and diverse work culture,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “She has been a valued leadership partner across the company and Central division. We truly appreciate the many contributions Katie has made to Kroger, and we wish her and her family the best in retirement.”

Ms. Wolfram was named to her current role in 2016 and has been spearheading an aggressive growth strategy in the Central division since joining the region as the vice president of merchandising in 2014. In the last two years, the company has invested nearly $329 million in the central Indiana market, adding five new Marketplace stores and 12 new gas stations, remodeling and/or expanding 14 existing stores, building a regional training center and adding more than 1,400 new jobs to the region. The Central Division operates 138 stores with more than 19,500 associates.

Ms. Wolfram began her career with Kroger in 1979 as an assistant store manager in the Cincinnati-Dayton division. She went on to serve in several leadership positions at Kroger’s corporate office in Cincinnati and with Kroger’s Manufacturing division. In 2005, she moved to Denver to join the King Soopers division as vice president of merchandising, before joining the Central division in 2014 to serve in the same role.

Ms. Wolfram was a leader for the first Cultural Council, a team development and culture-building group, started at the corporate office, and she started the Reach Higher initiative in Kroger Manufacturing. Additionally, Ms. Wolfram represented Kroger as a leader in the Network of Executive Women, Denver.

In retirement, she plans to move back to Denver to be near her daughter and grandson.

Pam Matthews Promoted to President of Central Division 
Ms. Matthews, currently president of the QFC division, succeeds Ms. Wolfram as president of Kroger’s Central division, effective October 23.

Ms. Matthews started with the company in 1980 in the Fred Meyer division. She has held a variety of leadership roles in her 25-year career with Fred Meyer, including store management, training, corporate brand development, and merchandising for deli-bakery, drug-general merchandise and grocery. Ms. Matthews also served as director of deli-bakery merchandising and director of floral merchandising and procurement at Kroger’s corporate office in Cincinnati before being promoted to vice president of merchandising for the Central division in 2006. She moved to the Delta division as vice president of merchandising in 2014 and was named vice president of operations in 2015. She was named president of the QFC division in 2016.

Suzy Monford Named President of QFC Division 
Ms. Monford joins the company to succeed Ms. Matthews as president of QFC, effective October 23. Ms. Monford is the former CEO of Andronico’s Community Markets, a Bay Area chain acquired by Albertsons in early 2017.

Prior to Andronico’s, Ms. Monford was the head of innovation for Woolworths Supermarkets in Australia, after spending 10 years as an executive for H-E-B Central Market and H-E-B Grocery Company in Texas.

Passionate about creating healthy communities, Ms. Monford is an internationally-certified group exercise instructor and health coach. She’s been recognized as a Top Woman in Retail Tech by Retail Info Systems (RIS), Top Woman in Grocery by Progressive Grocer and a Top 25 Technological Disruptor by Supermarket News.

She will be based at the division office in Seattle and oversee QFC’s 65 stores in Washington and Oregon.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger offers $25 or less for medically necessary services at The Little Clinic locations for its associates

Many services now offered at $25 or less

CINCINNATI, 2017-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) is now offering associates and their immediate families pricing of $25 or less for medically necessary services at The Little Clinic (TLC) locations.*

“We are committed to helping our associates and customers live healthier lives,” said Colleen Lindholz, president of the Kroger Pharmacy and The Little Clinic. “Our mission is to simplify healthcare by creating affordable solutions that combine health, wellness and nutrition.”

The pricing is available to any associate and family member whose primary benefit coverage is provided by Kroger.

TLC provides high quality, affordable healthcare located in convenient retail settings. TLC diagnoses and treats minor illnesses for patients 12 months and older (age requirements vary by state) with care provided by board-certified nurse practitioners and/or physician assistants. TLC operates 221 clinics in 10 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia. TLC clinics operate seven days and no appointment is needed.

Other services provided by TLC include dietitian programs at select locations (Nashville, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky and Dayton). Nutrition services vary from nutrition counseling, medical nutrition therapy, grocery store tours, cooking classes to store events. Kroger associates can receive nutrition counseling for $20.TLC also offers associate transformation programs that include diabetes management and diabetes prevention. The 16-week course focuses on healthy eating behaviors, label reading and sound nutrition education.

“We continue to focus on offering our associates services and programs that help with their overall well-being,” said Theresa Monti, Kroger’s vice president of total rewards and HR systems.

Last month, Kroger was named one of the “Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America” by Healthiest Employers, LLC, an organization dedicated to evaluating employers’ efforts in corporate health. It is the second time in three years Kroger has been honored on the list for its commitment to employee health and its exceptional corporate wellness programming.

*Excludes injectable medications, vaccines, sports physicals, PPDs and lab tests sent to a 3rd party facility.

The Little Clinic is a pioneer in customer-focused healthcare with a mission to help people live healthier lives. A wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co., The Little Clinic healthcare clinics are currently located inside select Kroger stores in Indiana, Mississippi, Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio; King Soopers in Colorado, Fry’s Food Stores in Arizona, Dillons stores in Kansas and JayC stores in Indiana. The Little Clinic was awarded The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval® in 2009 and has maintained consecutive accreditation in 2012 and 2015. Visit The Little Clinic online at www.thelittleclinic.com, www.facebook.com/thelittleclinic and www.thelittleclinic.blogspot.com.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Healthiest Employers names Kroger one of the “Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America”

Company ranks 38th on the annual list

CINCINNATI, 2017-Sep-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has been named one of the “Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America” by Healthiest Employers, LLC, an organization dedicated to evaluating employers’ efforts in corporate health. It is the second time in three years Kroger has been honored on the list for its commitment to employee health and its exceptional corporate wellness programming.

More than 5,000 employers from across the country, including 60 Fortune 100 companies, applied for the award. Those selected stood out across each of the six key categories evaluated: culture and leadership, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analysis.

Kroger came in at 38th overall on the list and was lauded for its exceptional corporate wellness initiatives such as health screenings, preventive care education and interactive wellness challenges.

“Our associates’ well-being is incredibly important to us, and we are excited to be recognized as an industry leader for our commitment to better health,” said Theresa Monti, Kroger’s vice president of total rewards and HR systems. “Our goal is to offer something for everyone to help with their overall well-being: physically, financially and emotionally.”

Kroger provides a variety of health and wellness programs for its associates. All associates have access to unlimited coaching, by phone or video, to help them achieve their personal goals using the company’s Employee Assistance Program.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™.We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kristal Howard
Head of Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Email: kristal.howard@kroger.com

Posted on by

Kroger launches new initiative to end hunger and eliminate waste

Kroger launches new initiative to end hunger and eliminate waste

 

“Moonshot” Initiative Aims to End Hunger in Communities and Eliminate Waste in the Company by 2025

CINCINNATI, 2017-Sep-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today (Sept. 19, 2017) announced a new, national effort aimed at ending hunger in the communities Kroger calls home and eliminating waste across the company by 2025.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8164551-kroger-zero-hunger-zero-waste/

“No family in a community we serve should ever go hungry, and no food in a store we operate should ever go to waste,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO.

Across the United States, 42 million Americans struggle with hunger. At the same time, an estimated 72 billion pounds of food ends up in a landfill every year.

“More than 40 percent of the food produced in the U.S. each year goes unconsumed, while one in eight people struggle with hunger. That just doesn’t make sense,” Mr. McMullen said. “As America’s grocer and one of the largest retailers in the world, we are committing to doing something about it.”

Kroger’s visionary Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan includes the bold commitments outlined below, in keeping with the company’s Purpose to Feed the Human Spirit™.

Kroger is also crowdsourcing for solutions, asking communities, partners and other stakeholders to help provide ideas, feedback and best practices as the effort evolves.

“We don’t – and we won’t – have all the answers,” said Jessica Adelman, Kroger’s group vice president of corporate affairs.  “While we are clear about our vision, we are flexible about how to get there. We are working closely with both Feeding America and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), our longstanding partners, to develop transparent metrics to track our progress.”

“And we are inviting everyone who is passionate about feeding people and protecting the planet to join us in our mission to end hunger in our communities and eliminate waste across our company by 2025,” Ms. Adelman added.

“Hunger exists in every county and affects every demographic group in this country,” said Diana Aviv, CEO of Feeding America®. “If we are to succeed in creating a hunger-free America, it will take the combined efforts of a variety of groups – policymakers, nonprofits, individuals and corporations – working together with the 200 network member food banks. Kroger is stepping up to the challenge and we look forward to working with them on their Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan.”

“The production and consumption of food has the largest environmental footprint of any human activity. By wasting less food, we can reduce the environmental impact of food production while also conserving biodiversity and wildlife habitat,” said Sheila Bonini, Senior Vice President, Private Sector Engagement, WWF. “Kroger’s zero waste commitment sets a new standard for food waste reduction goals and will have a ripple effect across their supply chain and industry.”

Zero Hunger | Zero Waste: A Plan to End Hunger In Kroger Communities 
and Eliminate Waste In The Kroger Co.

  • Establish a $10 million innovation fund within The Kroger Co. Foundation to address hunger, food waste and the paradoxical relationship between the two.
  • Accelerate food donations to provide three billion meals by 2025 to feed people facing hunger in the places Kroger calls home. In partnership with its customers, associates and other partners, Kroger has donated one billion meals via combined food and funds donations since 2013.
  • Donate not just more food, more balanced meals via Kroger’s industry-leading fresh food donations program. Kroger has been feeding people facing hunger since the company’s inception in 1883, and as a founding partner of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization, Kroger has longstanding partners with food banks across the country. Today, Kroger store associates are empowered to identify meat, produce, dairy and bakery items for donation that remain safe, fresh and nutritious. Last year, Kroger donated the equivalent of 46 million fresh meals to local food banks in addition to dry goods and shelf-stable groceries.
  • Advocate for public policy solutions to address hunger and to shorten the line at food banks, lobbying for continued funding of federal hunger relief programs, and for public policies that help communities prevent and divert waste from landfills, including recycling, composting and sustainability programs that can be scaled for maximum impact.
  • Achieve all Zero Waste 2020 goals outlined in the annual Kroger sustainability report.
  • Eliminate food waste by 2025 through prevention, donation and diversion efforts in all stores and across Kroger. Develop transparent reporting on food loss and waste.
  • Join forces with both new and longstanding partners to identify opportunities, leverage data, and determine where by working together Kroger can help the most.
  • Transform communities and improve the health of millions of Americans by 2025 by making balanced meals more readily available, sharing scalable food waste solutions with other retailers, restaurants and local governments, and working within Kroger’s supply chain to reduce farm-to-fork food loss.

“Zero Hunger | Zero Waste is a vision for the America we want to help create with our associates, customers and stakeholders,” Mr. McMullen said. “This is our moonshot.'”

“We recognize we have a lot of work to do,” he added. “But we know when Kroger’s more than 443,000 associates put their passion to work to make something happen, we can uplift our communities, the planet and each other.”

Follow our journey and join the conversation at thekrogerco.com and #ZeroHungerZeroWaste.

About Feeding America
Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

About WWF
WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working in 100 countries for over half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment, and combat climate change. Producing enough food while limiting our impact on the environment is one of the biggest challenges of our time, and WWF is working to drive sustainable food systems to conserve nature and feed humanity. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more and follow our news conversations on Twitter @World_Wildlife.

About Kroger
At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed The Human Spirit™.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

###

Posted on by

Kroger announces inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index-North America for the fifth consecutive year

Company Also Releases 11th Annual Sustainability Report, Outlines Progress on 2020 Sustainability Goals

CINCINNATI, 2017-Sep-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced it was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index-North America (DJSI) for the fifth consecutive year.

The DJSI evaluates the top 20 percent of the 600 largest North American companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index that are leaders in sustainability. The index considers multiple factors under three dimensions: economic, social and environmental.

“Kroger’s goal is to make a difference for our communities, our planet and each other by driving sustainability and innovation throughout our business,” said Denise Osterhues, Kroger’s senior director of corporate affairs. “Inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the fifth consecutive year is an important mile marker in our ongoing journey to increase responsible sourcing and improve eco-stewardship.”

Kroger today also announced the release of its 11th annual sustainability report, which outlines progress toward its 2020 sustainability goals, including:

  • Fighting Hunger: In 2016, Kroger donated the equivalent of 330 million meals, up from 276 million in 2015.
  • Zero Waste: Kroger aims to meet and exceed EPA’s Zero Waste threshold of 90% diversion from landfill in company facilities by 2020. In 2016, Kroger reached a diversion rate of 78% across its operations, up from 70% in 2015.
  • Sustainable Seafood: In 2016, Kroger set a new, broader goal to source 100% of all wild-caught seafood species from sustainable fisheries by 2020. The company is 86% of the way toward achieving this goal. The new goal expands the scope of the previous goal, which was to source 100% of only the top 20 wild-caught species.
  • Cage-Free Eggs: Kroger is transitioning toward a 100% cage-free egg supply chain by 2025. Currently, about 18% of the company’s total egg sales are cage-free eggs, up from 15% last year and 11% in 2014.

Learn more about all of Kroger’s efforts at http://sustainability.kroger.com/ and review the company’s 2020 goals progress update at http://sustainability.kroger.com/2020-goals.html.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kristal Howard
Head of Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Email: kristal.howard@kroger.com

Posted on by

Kroger ratified new labor agreement with UFCW Local 1000

CINCINNATI, OH, 2017-Sep-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) Dallas division associates working at Kroger stores in Dallas/Ft. Worth and surrounding area have ratified a new labor agreement with UFCW Local 1000.

“We are pleased to reach an agreement that is good for our associates. This new contract provides good pay increases, affordable health care and financial support from the company to our associates’ pension fund to support their retirement,” said Dana Zurcher, president of Kroger’s Dallas division. “This agreement comes after thoughtful and productive work by both the company and union bargaining committees. I want to thank our associates for supporting this agreement and for the excellent service they provide to our customers every day.”

The contract covers 11,000 associates working at 105 stores in the Dallas/Ft Worth and East Texas areas.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritSM. We are 443,000 associates who serve eight and a half million customers every day in 2,792 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,255 pharmacies, 782 convenience stores, 311 fine jewelry stores, 220 retail health clinics, 1,453 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kristal Howard
Head of Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Email: kristal.howard@kroger.com

Posted on by

Kroger Michigan division President Jayne Homco to retire; Scott Hays to succeed

CINCINNATI, 2017-Sep-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced the retirement of Michigan division President Jayne Homco, and the promotion of Scott Hays to succeed her. Mr. Hays currently serves as vice president of operations for the company’s Fry’s division.

Jayne Homco to Retire after 42 Years of Service

Jayne Homco will retire from the company after 42 years of distinguished service, effective September 30.

“In her more than 40 years with Kroger, Jayne has touched the lives of countless customers and associates, and her dedication to the community – especially her work with feeding the hungry, education and women’s health – has been an example to us all,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “We are grateful for Jayne’s many contributions over the years and wish her and her family the best in retirement.”

Ms. Homco began her Kroger career in 1975 as a store clerk in Kroger’s Central division in Indianapolis. She spent time in store management roles in the division, before relocating to the company’s Dillons division in Kansas in 1998 as a deli/bakery merchandiser. She went on to hold several leadership positions in Dillons and multiple Kroger divisions, before being promoted to vice president of merchandising for the QFC division in 2004. She was named to the same position for Kroger’s Southwest division in 2007. She was promoted to her current role in the Michigan division in 2013.

During her four years in Michigan, Ms. Homco was passionate about ending food insecurity, helping raise and contribute more than $7.5 million dollars to area food banks and rescuing more than 19.2 million pounds of healthy foods from Kroger stores. Ms. Homco also dedicated her time to Detroit’s American Cancer Society and made women’s health a top priority, as she led the division to raise more than $1.2 million under her tenure. Ms. Homco is a member of the Network of Executive Women, serves on the Board of Directors for Forgotten Harvest, Board of Advisors for Michigan Business & Professional Association – Women and Leadership in the Workplace, Board of Directors for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and Board of Advisors for the Michigan Food and Beverage Association.  She was named one of Progressive Grocer magazine’s Senior Level Executive Top Women in Grocery in 2008, an honoree of the Women and Leadership in the Workplace Distinguished Service Award for 2014, and one of the Most Influential Women in Michigan in 2016. Ms. Homco and her husband, Daniel, are retiring to Texas where they also have plans to travel, play golf, take culinary classes and more.

Scott Hays Promoted to President of Michigan Division

Scott Hays, currently vice president of operations for the company’s Fry’s division, succeeds Ms. Homco as president of the Michigan division, effective October 1.

“Scott has been a tremendous asset to Kroger since coming on board earlier this year,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “His dedicated leadership is best exemplified by his passion for supporting our associates and customers.”

Mr. Hays joined Kroger in April 2017 in his current role. He came to Kroger from Albertson’s Inc., where he began his grocery career in 1983 as a grocery clerk in Provo, Utah. He was promoted to a store director and then held positions of increasing responsibility throughout Albertson’s Inc.’s footprint, including district manager, area vice president and division vice president leading the company’s San Antonio division. He played an integral role in the development of the Texas and Louisiana markets for Albertson’s. He also served as the vice president of operations for Jewel Osco in the Chicagoland market and most recently was the division president for Albertson’s Dallas-Fort Worth market.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritSM. We are 443,000 associates who serve eight and a half million customers every day in 2,792 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,255 pharmacies, 782 convenience stores, 311 fine jewelry stores, 220 retail health clinics, 1,453 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kristal Howard
Head of Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Email: kristal.howard@kroger.com

Posted on by

Kroger to host Q2 2017 earnings conference call on September 8, 2017

CINCINNATI, 2017-Aug-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced today (Aug. 25, 2017)  that it will host its second quarter 2017 earnings conference call at 10 a.m. EDT on Friday, September 8, 2017.  Our management team will comment on Kroger’s financial and operational results for the second quarter 2017.

The presentation will broadcast online at ir.kroger.com.  Click on “Quarterly Results” to access the event.  An on-demand replay of the webcast will be available at approximately 1 p.m. EDT on Friday, September 22, 2017.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 443,000 associates who serve eight and a half million customers every day in 2,792 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,255 pharmacies, 782 convenience stores, 311 fine jewelry stores, 220 retail health clinics, 1,453 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Kroger to Fight Influenza and Hunger with One Shot, One Meal campaign in partnership with The Little Clinic and Feeding America

Now through April 1, 2018, for every flu shot administered, a meal will be donated

CINCINNATI, 2017-Aug-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announces its second annual health and wellness campaign, One Shot, One Meal, in partnership with The Little Clinic and Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. From now through April 1, 2018, Kroger will donate one meal through the Feeding America network of food banks for every flu shot administered at all Kroger family of pharmacies and The Little Clinic locations.

“Kroger is committed to helping people live healthier lives and we’re excited to continue this initiative for the second year,” said Colleen Lindholz, Kroger’s president of pharmacy and The Little Clinic. “When you receive the flu shot this season at any of the Kroger family of pharmacies or The Little Clinic locations, you will help protect your health and provide a meal for a neighbor struggling with hunger. Kroger donated 330 million meals in 2016, and last year’s campaign helped us achieve this milestone. We know that meals matter because nutrition is a key aspect of building healthier communities.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 310,000 individuals were hospitalized last year for flu-related illnesses. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older. Flu shots can reduce the risk of more serious symptoms and outcomes, including flu-related hospitalizations.

“Feeding America aims to provide wellness, nourishment and strength to people facing hunger,” said Diana Aviv, CEO of Feeding America. “We are excited to partner with Kroger for the second year on this health and wellness campaign. Visionary partners like Kroger enable us to help the 46 million Americans who receive food and groceries from our network of food banks.”

Every week, 5.4 million people in the United States receive help through the Feeding America network, which includes 200 food banks that lead the fight against hunger. Feeding America food banks are partners in community health by providing food that promotes health and wellness and partnering to help people improve their health outcomes.

About Feeding America
Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

About The Little Clinic
The Little Clinic is a pioneer in customer-focused healthcare with a mission to help people live healthier lives. A wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co., The Little Clinic healthcare clinics are currently located inside select Kroger stores in Indiana, Mississippi, Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio; King Soopers in Colorado, Fry’s Food Stores in Arizona, Dillons stores in Kansas and JayC stores in Indiana. The Little Clinic was awarded The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval® in 2009 and has maintained consecutive accreditation in 2012 and 2015. Visit The Little Clinic online at www.thelittleclinic.com,
www.facebook.com/thelittleclinic and www.thelittleclinic.blogspot.com.

About Kroger
At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritSM. We are 443,000 associates who serve eight and a half million customers every day in 2,792 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,255 pharmacies, 782 convenience stores, 311 fine jewelry stores, 220 retail health clinics, 1,453 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.