KROGER ASSOCIATES IN LOUISVILLE RATIFY NEW LABOR AGREEMENT

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky, April 16, 2008 – The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) said today it has been informed that members of UFCW Local 227 in Kentucky have ratified a new contract with the company.

“This agreement provides wage increases and affordable quality health care benefits for our employees and their families and keeps Kroger competitive in the marketplace,” said John Hackett, President of Kroger’s Mid-South division.

The four-year contract, effective immediately, covers more than 11,200 associates represented by UFCW Local 227 who work in 87 Kroger stores in Louisville and southern Indiana.

"We appreciate that our associates stayed focused on serving our customers during this process. This is a good example of how fair and balanced agreements can be reached when the union and company leadership are committed to negotiating at the bargaining table," Mr. Hackett said.

Kroger, one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains, is honored to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2008. The Company’s more than 310,000 associates serve customers in 2,486 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger associates also serve customers in 782 convenience stores, 394 fine jewelry stores and 696 supermarket fuel centers the Company operates. In addition, the Company operates 42 food processing plants in the U.S. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local schools and grassroots organizations in the communities it serves. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com

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