Kroger

Corporate brand

One of the largest supermarket operators in the United States, combining grocery stores with pharmacies, fuel centers, manufacturing, private-label products and digital shopping services.

Last updated November 2, 2026

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Overview

Kroger is an American food and general-merchandise retailer headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Although the name is commonly associated with its neighborhood supermarkets, the company operates a broad portfolio of banners and formats across the United States, including conventional supermarkets, combination food-and-drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace locations and warehouse-oriented grocery stores. Its retail operations are supported by pharmacies, fuel centers, e-commerce and pickup services, in-store health facilities in selected markets, and a large manufacturing and distribution network. Bernard Kroger founded the business in Cincinnati in 1883 after investing his savings in a grocery store. From the beginning, the company sought to control more of the customer proposition by producing or supplying goods that shoppers might otherwise purchase from separate bakeries, farms or specialty merchants. This vertical approach later developed into Kroger’s extensive private-label and food-manufacturing operations. The company adopted self-service shopping in 1916 and experimented early with product testing, consumer research, parking-oriented store design and electronic checkout technology. Kroger expanded for much of the twentieth century through acquisitions and regional market entry. It added chains in Texas, the South, the Midwest and the West, while also withdrawing from markets where labor costs, competition or local economics made the business unattractive. Important acquisitions included Dillon Companies in 1983 and Fred Meyer in 1998. The Fred Meyer transaction brought additional banners such as Ralphs, QFC and Smith’s into the company’s portfolio and strengthened Kroger’s position in the western United States. Later transactions added or expanded banners including Harris Teeter, Roundy’s, Vitacost.com and Mariano’s. The company’s current retail proposition is built around one-stop shopping. Stores typically sell fresh foods, packaged groceries, household supplies, health and beauty products, apparel or general merchandise in selected formats, and prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Kroger also operates fuel stations and offers loyalty, digital coupon, delivery and curbside-pickup services. Its private-label architecture includes value, mainstream and premium ranges, most prominently the Simple Truth natural and organic line and the Kroger-branded range. Kroger competes with Walmart, Costco, Amazon, Aldi, regional supermarket chains and other mass merchants. Its positioning generally combines broad assortment, convenient locations, loyalty-based promotions and private-label value. Labor relations are significant to the business: a substantial share of employees are represented by unions, particularly the United Food and Commercial Workers. Kroger remains an active public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under KR. Its proposed combination with Albertsons became a major strategic and regulatory issue in the 2020s, but the transaction was blocked by a federal court in 2024 and did not become a completed merger.

History

Bernard Kroger opened the first Kroger grocery store in Cincinnati in 1883. The company expanded rapidly in its early decades, opening a second store the following year and incorporating as the Kroger Grocery and Baking Company in 1902. Its early model combined retailing with production, including bakery operations, allowing the business to offer a more integrated assortment and exercise greater control over quality. Kroger introduced self-service shopping in 1916, an important operational change from the prevailing counter-service model. During the 1930s it formalized food-quality testing and consumer research and experimented with store layouts designed around automobile access. The company also developed larger formats that combined groceries with general merchandise and pharmacy departments. These experiments foreshadowed the combination stores and marketplace formats used in later decades. The company grew through extensive acquisition activity after the 1950s. It entered or expanded in markets including Texas, the South and California, although several regional ventures were later abandoned. In 1963, the acquisition of Market Basket gave Kroger a foothold in Southern California; the company ultimately exited that market in 1982. Kroger also withdrew from a number of Midwestern and Southern markets during the 1970s and 1980s when competition, economic conditions and labor costs reduced profitability. Technology became an important part of Kroger’s operating history. A barcode scanner was introduced at a Cincinnati Kroger store in 1967, and during the 1970s the company tested electronic scanning and developed formal consumer-research practices. Its manufacturing network also expanded, including a major dairy facility opened in Indianapolis in 1972. A decisive expansion came in 1983, when Kroger acquired Dillon Companies. The transaction brought banners including King Soopers, City Market, Fry’s and Gerbes, as well as Kwik Shop convenience stores. In 1998 Kroger merged with Fred Meyer, adding a substantial western network and banners such as Ralphs, QFC and Smith’s. This transformed Kroger from a primarily regional supermarket company into a national multi-banner operator. During the 2000s and 2010s, Kroger continued to build its geographic and format portfolio. It acquired Baker’s, Scott’s Food & Pharmacy, selected Farmer Jack locations, stores from other exiting competitors, Harris Teeter in 2013 and Roundy’s in 2015. The Roundy’s transaction added Mariano’s and strengthened the company in Wisconsin and the Chicago area. Kroger also developed partnerships such as its in-store Murray’s Cheese counters and invested in online ordering, delivery, pickup and digital loyalty tools. In the 2020s, Kroger’s strategy centered on omnichannel grocery, private-label growth, customer data and scale. The proposed Albertsons acquisition represented its most consequential expansion attempt in decades. The Federal Trade Commission challenged the transaction, and a federal court blocked it in 2024. Kroger therefore continued as an independent public company operating its existing banner portfolio.

2024
Proposed Albertsons merger blocked
[4]FTC action concerning Kroger’s proposed Albertsons acquisitionftc.gov
A federal court granted an injunction sought by the FTC, blocking the proposed Kroger-Albertsons transaction.
2022
Albertsons merger agreement announced
[3]Kroger and Albertsons Companies announce definitive merger agreementir.kroger.com
Kroger and Albertsons announced a proposed combination that became the subject of extensive antitrust review.
2015
Roundy’s acquired
[7]Roundy’s acquiredir.kroger.com
Kroger acquired Roundy’s, adding Mariano’s and expanding its position in Wisconsin and the Chicago region.
2013
Harris Teeter acquisition announced
[6]Harris Teeter acquisition announcedir.kroger.com
Kroger announced the acquisition of Harris Teeter, strengthening its southeastern presence and digital pickup capabilities.
2008
Murray’s Cheese partnership begins
[1]Krogeren.wikipedia.org
Kroger began operating Murray’s Cheese counters in selected stores, adding specialty cheese and gourmet offerings.
1998
Fred Meyer merger completed
[1]Krogeren.wikipedia.org
The merger expanded Kroger’s western operations and added banners including Ralphs, QFC and Smith’s.
1983
Dillon Companies acquired
[1]Krogeren.wikipedia.org
The acquisition added major regional grocery and convenience banners, including King Soopers, Fry’s, City Market, Gerbes and Kwik Shop.
1972
Crossroad Farms Dairy opens
[1]Krogeren.wikipedia.org
Kroger opened a large dairy-manufacturing facility in Indianapolis.
1967
Barcode scanning tested
[1]Krogeren.wikipedia.org
A Kroger supermarket in Cincinnati became an early site for barcode-scanning technology.
1916
Self-service introduced
[1]Krogeren.wikipedia.org
Kroger began using self-service shopping, replacing the earlier practice of keeping merchandise behind counters.
1902
Company incorporated
[1]Krogeren.wikipedia.org
The business was incorporated as the Kroger Grocery and Baking Company after expanding to multiple stores.
1883
First Kroger grocery store opens
[1]Krogeren.wikipedia.org
Bernard Kroger opened his first grocery store on Pearl Street in Cincinnati, establishing the business that became The Kroger Co.

Products and positioning

Mainstream, full-service grocery retail focused on assortment, convenience, loyalty pricing, private-label value and one-stop shopping.

Supermarket retail · 1883
Kroger supermarkets
The core Kroger banner consists primarily of full-service supermarkets selling fresh foods, packaged groceries, bakery and deli items, household products, health and beauty goods, pharmacy services and, at many locations, fuel. Stores are supported by loyalty pricing, digital coupons, delivery and curbside pickup.
Multi-department grocery retail
Kroger Marketplace
Marketplace stores extend the traditional supermarket model with larger general-merchandise assortments. Depending on location, they may include apparel, home goods, electronics, seasonal products, expanded pharmacy services and grocery departments designed for one-stop shopping.
Private-label food and household products · 2012
Simple Truth
Simple Truth is Kroger’s private-label brand focused on natural and organic positioning. The range covers packaged foods and related household categories and gives Kroger a branded alternative to national natural and organic products.
Digital grocery service
Kroger Pickup
Kroger Pickup allows customers to order groceries online or through digital channels and collect completed orders at participating stores. It forms part of Kroger’s broader omnichannel model, which also includes delivery and digital coupons.
Fuel retail
Fuel centers
Kroger operates fuel centers at or near many supermarkets. Fuel sales complement grocery shopping and are integrated with the company’s loyalty program in participating markets.

Controversies

2026
Albertsons seeks more than $8 billion in damages from Kroger over failed merger
Albertsons announced it is seeking more than $8 billion in damages from Kroger, alleging that Kroger failed to come up with an asset divestiture plan that would have appeased the antitrust regulators evaluating the retailers' previously planned merger. Albertsons claims Kroger refused to divest assets necessary for antitrust approval, ignored feedback from the FTC and state regulators, and refused to work with Albertsons in good faith. The claim, made in the Delaware Court of Chancery where Albertsons has also filed a suit seeking the $600 million break-up fee, includes lost shareholder value and other related losses from the failed merger; that trial is scheduled to begin on Oct. 19. The allegations are Albertsons' claims and have not been adjudicated.
Source
2026
Jalapeño recall expands to downstream products
Following a recall by Coast Citrus Distributors of fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, downstream recalls were conducted for recalled jalapeños and products containing them. Whole Foods Market recalled salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared products containing jalapeños sold online and in stores across multiple states, and Taylor Fresh Foods recalled multiple products containing recalled jalapeños distributed to retail distribution centers in numerous states. Stores that received recalled products include Hannaford, Kroger, Stop and Shop, Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart, and Whole Foods. Taylor Fresh Foods is no longer sourcing products from this farmer and will fill orders from alternative suppliers. FSIS also issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Source
2026
Kroger controversy note: Taylor Fresh Foods recalls 20 prepared foods containing jalapeños over Salmonella risk
Taylor Fresh Foods recalled 20 prepared food products containing jalapeños because of possible Salmonella contamination, including 16 products distributed to Texas retailers such as Kroger, Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart and Whole Foods. The recall followed a supplier recall by Coast Citrus Distributors of fresh jalapeños linked to a multistate Salmonella Javiana outbreak, and Taylor Fresh Foods said it stopped sourcing peppers from the implicated grower in Sinaloa, Mexico.
Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4 Source 5
2022
Ground beef recalled over E. coli contamination
The USDA announced a recall of about 28,356 pounds of ground beef after testing showed E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Products included Kroger-branded beef and products sold at Walmart and other retailers; the affected beef had been shipped to seven U.S. states.
Source
2022
Interstate Meat Dist. recalls ground beef sold under multiple brands
Interstate Meat Dist. is recalling about 28,356 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The products were sold under WinCo, Wal-Mart, Kroger and Albertsons brands; FSIS said test results from a sample were actionable.
Source
2021
Ready Pac Foods recalls ready-to-eat salad products over undeclared allergen
Ready Pac Foods recalled about 222,915 pounds of ready-to-eat salads containing meat or poultry after its dressing supplier notified it that a shipment labeled as ranch dressing may contain Caesar dressing with anchovies, an undeclared allergen on the salad labels. No confirmed adverse reactions had been reported. Consumers were advised to discard or return the products.
Source
2021
Dole recalls packaged salads over possible Listeria contamination
Dole Fresh Vegetables announced a voluntary recall of Dole-branded and private-label packaged salads processed at its Bessemer City, North Carolina, and Yuma, Arizona, facilities due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The source says the decision followed findings of the bacteria in samples from two products and notes that the implicated strain is believed by FDA and CDC to be responsible for at least sixteen illnesses since 2014.
Source
2021
Butterball recalls ground turkey products over possible blue plastic contamination
Butterball, LLC, is recalling approximately 14,107 pounds of ground turkey products after consumer complaints reported pieces of blue plastic embedded in raw ground turkey. The recall includes Butterball and Kroger products shipped to retail locations nationwide; no confirmed consumption-related injuries were reported.
Source
2021
Crider Foods recalls canned beef products over possible lead contamination
Crider Foods recalled approximately 525,717 pounds of canned beef with gravy products that may contain unsafe levels of lead because of a spice mix from an outside supplier. The affected products included Hargis House, Clover Valley, Kroger, Hostess, Laura Lynn, ARMOUR and HARVEST CREEK items.
Source
2021
Kroger reports vendor data breach affecting pharmacy and associate records
Kroger said a data breach at third-party software provider Accellion affected some associate HR data, pharmacy records and money services. Kroger said its own IT systems were not affected and that it was contacting impacted people.
Source

Marketing campaigns

2012Simple Truth launch
United States
Kroger introduced Simple Truth as a private-label platform for natural and organic products, giving shoppers a branded alternative in a fast-growing grocery segment.
Outcome. Established a major private-label growth platform.
Source
2008Murray’s Cheese in Kroger stores
United States
Kroger partnered with New York specialty retailer Murray’s Cheese to install cheese counters in selected supermarkets, broadening the company’s premium and specialty-food offering.
Outcome. Expanded specialty-food assortment through an in-store partnership.
Source

Brand decisions

2022
Propose Albertsons combinationM&A
Background
Kroger pursued greater scale in grocery retail and announced a proposed combination with Albertsons Companies.
Action taken
The companies signed a definitive merger agreement and sought regulatory approval.
Aftermath
The FTC challenged the deal, and a federal court blocked the transaction in 2024.
Announced transaction value. (2022)
Source
1998
Merge with Fred MeyerM&A
Background
The transaction offered a route to scale and a stronger western U.S. presence.
Action taken
Kroger merged with Fred Meyer.
Aftermath
The combined company added major banners including Ralphs, QFC and Smith’s and became a more nationally diversified retailer.
Source
1983
Acquire Dillon CompaniesM&A
Background
Kroger sought greater scale and geographic reach in the central and western United States.
Action taken
It acquired Dillon Companies and its grocery and convenience-store subsidiaries.
Aftermath
Kroger gained banners including King Soopers, Fry’s, City Market, Gerbes and Kwik Shop.
Source
1916
Adopt self-service shoppingStrategy
Background
Traditional grocery stores commonly kept products behind counters and relied on clerks to retrieve merchandise.
Action taken
Kroger began operating stores using self-service shopping.
Aftermath
The change improved customer autonomy and became a standard feature of modern supermarket retail.
Source

Recent events

2026
Kroger partners with Google on YouTube retail-sales measurement[32]Kroger partners with Google on YouTube retail-sales measurementprogressivegrocer.com
Product launch
Kroger Precision Marketing announced a collaboration with Google Display & Video 360 designed to provide SKU-level conversion reporting for YouTube campaigns.
2025
Kroger Precision Marketing expands in-store digital advertising[33]Kroger Precision Marketing expands in-store digital advertisingtheshelbyreport.com
Product launch · Campaign
Kroger Precision Marketing announced an in-store digital advertising capability using connected fixtures and screens intended to link point-of-purchase media with retail sales measurement.
2025
Kroger Precision Marketing launches managed off-site programmatic advertising[34]Kroger Precision Marketing launches managed off-site programmatic advertisingsupermarketnews.com
Product launch
Kroger’s retail-media business expanded into managed programmatic audio, connected television, and dynamically optimized display advertising for consumer packaged-goods marketers.
2024
Federal court blocks Kroger-Albertsons transaction[35]Federal court blocks Kroger-Albertsons transactionftc.gov
Lawsuit · M&A · Regulation
A federal court granted the FTC’s request to block the proposed merger, finding that the transaction raised competition concerns. The companies later ended the agreement.
2024
Kroger launches 2024 holiday film about connection through food[36]Kroger launches 2024 holiday film about connection through foodir.kroger.com
Campaign
Kroger’s holiday campaign used a short film to present food as a means of creating connection and togetherness during the holiday season.
2023
Kroger introduces 2023 holiday campaign centered on food traditions[37]Kroger introduces 2023 holiday campaign centered on food traditionsir.kroger.com
Campaign
The campaign presented both inherited and newly created holiday traditions, with food positioned as a common element linking families and communities.
2022
Kroger announces proposed acquisition of Albertsons[38]Kroger announces proposed acquisition of Albertsonsthekrogerco.com
M&A · Regulation
Kroger announced an agreement to acquire Albertsons in a proposed transaction valued at approximately $24.6 billion. The deal required regulatory approval and became the subject of prolonged antitrust litigation.

Sources160 sources

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