Content about Kroger

June 24, 2011
At shareholders meeting, Kroger emphasizes focus on customers

Kroger CEO David Dillon said the company will continue to focus on customer loyalty, after reporting last week that it saw identical-store sales increase for 30 consecutive quarters.

CINCINNATI — Kroger CEO David Dillon said the company will continue to focus on customer loyalty, after reporting last week that it saw identical-store sales increase for 30 consecutive quarters.

During its shareholders meeting on Thursday, Dillon said the company will build its future growth around its Customer 1st strategy, which emphasizes "[our] people, products, prices and the shopping experience."

June 21, 2011
Kroger highlights sustainable efforts in new report

CINCINNATI — Kroger has released its fifth annual sustainability report.

Some of the highlights noted in the report include:

  • Kroger stores reduced overall energy consumption by 30% since 2000;

  • Company-wide, including all facilities, Kroger has saved more than 2.2 billion kilowatt hours;

  • Kroger completed its first wind energy project. Two wind turbines installed at Turkey Hill Dairy in Lancaster, Pa., will supply 25% of the dairy's annual electricity needs;

June 20, 2011
Kernel Season's introduces ready-to-eat popcorn line

A popcorn seasoning brand has launched its all-natural, ready-to-eat popcorn in four kosher varieties.

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. — A popcorn seasoning brand has launched its all-natural, ready-to-eat popcorn in four kosher varieties.

Kernel Season's said each of its popcorn varieties are made with natural sunflower oil, real cheese and clarified butter, and are free of trans fat per serving, artificial colors or flavors. The company debuted the popcorn this past May at the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo.

June 20, 2011
Kroger taps Ralphs head for SVP merchandising role

Kroger announced that it has named Michael Donnelly as SVP merchandising. Donnelly has been president of the company's Ralphs division, based in Los Angeles, since August 2007.

CINCINNATI — Kroger announced that it has named Michael Donnelly as SVP merchandising. Donnelly has been president of the company's Ralphs division, based in Los Angeles, since August 2007.

In his new position, Donnelly will lead all merchandising and procurement for Kroger.

June 16, 2011
Kroger off to strong start with positive Q1

Kroger reported strong first-quarter results and marked 30 consecutive quarters in which identical-store sales increased, the supermarket retailer announced Thursday.

CINCINNATI — Kroger reported solid first-quarter results and marked 30 consecutive quarters in which identical-store sales increased, the supermarket retailer announced Thursday.

Kroger said that identical-store sales rose 4.6%, excluding fuel, to about $20.8 billion. Identical stores are defined as supermarkets open at least five quarters.

The company said its first-quarter revenue for the period ended May 21, including fuel, rose 11% to about $27.5 billion, compared with the year-ago period. Excluding fuel, total sales were 4.8% above last year.

June 13, 2011
Kroger appoints diversity leader

Kroger on Monday named Reuben Shaffer the grocer’s new chief diversity officer, effective immediately.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Monday named Reuben Shaffer the grocer’s new chief diversity officer, effective immediately.

“Diversity is a core value at Kroger,” stated David Dillon, Kroger chairman and CEO. “We take our commitment to diversity seriously, both because it is right and because it makes us better at our business. When our decision-making is inclusive and reflects the diversity of our customers, we make better decisions.”

June 3, 2011
Once again, Kroger emphasizes hunger awareness

Kroger has kicked off a two-week campaign that is expected to generate $5 million dollars in cash and food donations to assist 80 local food banks in communities where Kroger's customers and associates live and work.

CINCINNATI — Kroger has kicked off a two-week campaign that is expected to generate $5 million dollars in cash and food donations to assist 80 local food banks in communities where Kroger's customers and associates live and work.

Kroger said that its annual Bringing Hope to the Table campaign, which runs through June 11, will assist food banks that are members of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization. Since 2006, Kroger's family of stores has generated contributions of $25 million in food and funds through the campaign.

May 31, 2011
Hampton Farms' Hickory SmokeHouse peanuts arrive in stores

Hampton Farms is offering fans of in-shell peanuts a new snack.

SEVERN, N.C. — Hampton Farms is offering fans of in-shell peanuts a new snack.

New Hickory SmokeHouse-flavored in-shell peanuts unite the taste of dry roasted peanuts with a "straight from the smokehouse" taste, the company said.

Available in 10-oz. packages, Hickory SmokeHouse peanuts will be available at such supermarkets as Food Lion, Giant, Kroger, Publix, Ralphs, Stop & Shop and Wegmans for a suggested retail price of $1.99.

May 31, 2011
Kroger promotes fuel savings

Kroger said that its family of stores is offering new ways for its customers to save on gas.

CINCINNATI — Kroger said that its family of stores is offering new ways for its customers to save on gas.

The retailer said that customers can earn fuel discounts when they purchase select gift cards, and also when they fill certain eligible prescriptions.

Kroger noted that the discounts vary by state and that its prescription fuel savings promotion is not being offered to Arkansas pharmacy customers.

Click here for more details.

May 26, 2011
NACDS Foundation names beneficiaries of Community PREP grant program

Purdue University, the University of Missouri and the University of North Carolina were the beneficiaries of a $1.5 million grant program designed to expand community pharmacy residency programs for recent school graduates.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Purdue University, the University of Missouri and the University of North Carolina were the beneficiaries of a $1.5 million grant program designed to expand community pharmacy residency programs for recent school graduates.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation announced on Thursday that the academic institutions were the first three beneficiaries of the Community Pharmacy Residency Expansion Project (Community PREP) grant program.

For this first round of awards, the recipients were:

May 26, 2011
Ralphs, Food 4 Less kick off fundraising campaign to honor USO

Kroger banners Ralphs and Food 4 Less have commenced their Honoring Our Heroes fundraising campaign to benefit the United Service Organizations.

LOS ANGELES — Kroger banners Ralphs and Food 4 Less have commenced their Honoring Our Heroes fundraising campaign to benefit the United Service Organizations.

The checkstand fundraising, which will run through Aug. 13, is in conjunction with the USO's 70th anniversary.

All monies collected through the Ralphs/Food 4 Less Honoring Our Heroes fundraising program will be donated directly to the USO to support its programs, entertainment and other services for our service men and women.

May 17, 2011
Publix ends partnership with The Little Clinic

Supermarket chain Publix has confirmed the termination of the lease arrangements with The Little Clinic within select store locations in Florida and Georgia.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Supermarket chain Publix has confirmed the termination of the lease arrangements with The Little Clinic within select store locations in Florida and Georgia.

The move marks the end of Publix’s five-year partnership with The Little Clinic, which is part of Solera Capital’s portfolio. Solera Capital had acquired The Little Clinic’s predecessor in 2005.

In 2010, private investment fund Solera Capital sold the remainder of its Little Clinic business to Kroger. Those Kroger-owned Little Clinic locations are not closing.

May 12, 2011
Wolfgang Puck Iced Coffee expands retail distribution

Wolfgang Puck's iced coffee is making its way to Fresh Market and Kroger stores.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Wolfgang Puck's iced coffee is making its way to Fresh Market and Kroger stores.

WPIC, an organic, kosher and 120-calorie beverage, will arrive in Fresh Market and Kroger banner stores this June. The brand, which was developed by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and Woodway Beverage Partners, initially launched in 2009.

WPIC is available in single-serve bottles and four packs, the companies said.

May 6, 2011
Former Supervalu executive joins iControl

Mike Jackson was named to the board of directors of iControl Systems USA, where he also will serve in the capacity of senior adviser to iControl president and CEO Tal Zlotnitsky.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Mike Jackson was named to the board of directors of iControl Systems USA, where he also will serve in the capacity of senior adviser to iControl president and CEO Tal Zlotnitsky.

Jackson is a 30-year veteran of Supervalu who retired from the company in late 2009 as president and COO.

May 3, 2011
P&G lends a hand to Kroger's Honoring Our Heroes campaign

Procter & Gamble has teamed up with Kroger to support the United Services Organization.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has teamed up with Kroger to support the United Services Organization.

In line with Kroger's USO support campaign called Honoring Our Heroes, P&G will launch a Mega Event sales promotion through which customers at participating Kroger banner stores receive $5 instantly at checkout when they purchase 10 participating P&G Mega Event items.

May 2, 2011
Kroger donates $250K to storm, flood relief efforts

Kroger is committing $250,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to assist storm and flood relief efforts in communities across several Southeastern states.

CINCINNATI — Kroger is committing $250,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to assist storm and flood relief efforts in communities across several Southeastern states.

May 2, 2011
Retailers step up to offer relief funds to tornado, flood victims

In the wake of the tornadoes and flooding that struck many southeastern states, several leading chains have stepped up to offer support for communities impacted by the tragedy, including CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, Target, Kroger and Publix.

NEW YORK — In the wake of the tornadoes and flooding that struck many southeastern states, several leading chains have stepped up to offer support for communities impacted by the tragedy, including CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart,

April 29, 2011
Kroger joins paperless coupon service

Kroger now is offering its shoppers the ability to redeem SavingStar e-coupons when they use their Kroger Plus Card at checkout.

WALTHAM, Mass. — Kroger now is offering its shoppers the ability to redeem SavingStar e-coupons when they use their Kroger Plus Card at checkout.

According to a press release from SavingStar, it is the only national paperless grocery coupon service, and the addition of Kroger to the SavingStar network of retailers increases the number of grocery and drug stores offering their customers digital coupons through SavingStar to more than 24,000 stores nationwide.

April 27, 2011
Former Ohio governor spokesman takes talents to Kroger

Kroger has named Keith Dailey as the company's external corporate communications director.

CINCINNATI — Kroger has named Keith Dailey as the company's external corporate communications director.

According to the company, Dailey will oversee national media communications for Kroger, which operates 2,458 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names.

Serving as the spokesman for such a large company should come easy to Dailey. As the communications director for former Ohio governor Ted Strickland, Dailey likely had his fair share of media issues to tackle.

April 26, 2011
TalkingRain expands Sparkling Ice distribution

TalkingRain Beverage said it is bringing its Sparkling Ice brand to Kroger stores and the retailer's other supermarket banners.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — TalkingRain Beverage said it is bringing its Sparkling Ice brand to Kroger stores and the retailer's other supermarket banners.

Sparkling Ice will hit the shelves of Kroger, King Soopers, Ralphs, QFC, Fred Meyer, Frys, Dillons and Smith's across the country. Sparkling Ice, which blends together mountain spring water, fruit juice and carbonation, is available in orange mango, black raspberry, lemon lime, pomegranate berry, pink grapefruit and kiwi strawberry flavors, and in 17-oz. and 1-liter containers.

April 25, 2011
Resilient Kroger readies for recovery

In retailing, it’s a given that a long-term, severe recession will cut through the ranks of food, drug and general merchandise retailers like a scythe through wheat, pushing weaker players out of the market as consumer spending dries up and Darwinian realities winnow the field. But it’s also true that the strongest merchants can emerge not only intact, but also with even brighter prospects if they innovate, invest and retain the loyalty of their customers.


April 21, 2011
Kroger's Southwest division forges ahead with three-step sustainability plan

Kroger's Southwest division, which consists of 208 stores in Texas and Louisiana, announced that it is continuing to reduce waste and conserve energy by moving forward with sustainable practices by renewing its three-step approach.

HOUSTON — Kroger's Southwest division, which consists of 208 stores in Texas and Louisiana, announced that it is continuing to reduce waste and conserve energy by moving forward with sustainable practices by renewing its three-step approach.

April 20, 2011
Kroger joins Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance

Kroger is the latest retailer to join the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance as a partner.

CINCINNATI — Kroger is the latest retailer to join the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance as a partner.

The supermarket conglomerate will implement the DPCA's Diabetes Control Program, which is designed to help patients gain better control of their condition, at select store pharmacies, including stores in the Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, markets. The retailer also will offer the program in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Las Vegas later this year.

April 15, 2011
Ralphs, Food 4 Less raise more than $100K for Japan earthquake relief

Two Kroger banners have raised funds to benefit Japan earthquake and tsunami victims.

LOS ANGELES — Two Kroger banners have raised funds to benefit Japan earthquake and tsunami victims.

Ralphs and Food 4 Less said they raised more than $100,000 for the American Red Cross' International Response Fund for its Japan relief efforts. The retailers hosted a fundraising campaign that ran from March 21 through April 9.

April 14, 2011
The Little Clinic names new chief medical officer

The Little Clinic has announced the appointment of Kenneth Patric as its new chief medical officer, providing medical oversight and management, and overseeing the development and implementation, of new clinical programs and initiatives for The Little Clinic on a national level.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. ­— The Little Clinic has announced the appointment of Kenneth Patric as its new chief medical officer, providing medical oversight and management, and overseeing the development and implementation, of new clinical programs and initiatives for The Little Clinic on a national level.