The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) is one of the largest supermarket operators in the United States, offering a wide range of retail grocery and related services. Founded in Cincinnati in 1883 by Bernard Kroger, the company operates a portfolio of supermarket and multi-department store banners and provides customers with fresh foods, packaged groceries, deli and bakery items, meat and seafood, produce, and prepared foods. Kroger’s stores commonly include pharmacy services and fuel centers, positioning the company as a broad-based neighborhood retail destination for everyday needs.
In addition to traditional in-store retailing, Kroger manufactures and distributes a variety of private-label brands and operates its own food production and supply-chain facilities. The company has invested in e-commerce and omnichannel capabilities to support grocery pickup and delivery, digital promotions and loyalty programs, and other customer-facing technologies. Kroger’s product and service mix also extends to private-label offerings designed to address consumer preferences for value and specialty choices, as well as partnerships and initiatives aimed at improving supply-chain efficiency and fresh food sourcing.
Kroger’s operations are concentrated across the United States, where it serves customers through multiple regional banners and formats. The company has expanded its footprint over time through organic growth and acquisitions of regional grocery chains, while also pursuing investments in automation and digital fulfillment to adapt to changing consumer behavior. Rodney McMullen has served as Kroger’s chief executive officer since 2014, guiding the company through initiatives focused on technological modernization, customer loyalty, and competitive positioning within the U.S. grocery industry.