KROGER PROMOTES STRONGER BONES AND BETTER NUTRITION THROUGH "FRESH...FOR LIFE"sm DAIRY CAMPAIGN

CINCINNATI, OH, January 10, 2003 - Buoyed by surveys showing that most Americans don't get enough calcium in their diets, The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today said it is launching a marketing campaign to educate customers about the nutritional benefits of eating more dairy foods.

A key element of Kroger's campaign, titled "Fresh…for Life," encourages families to eat at least three servings of calcium-rich milk, cheese or yogurt a day to build stronger bones and healthier bodies. That "3-A-Day" message is part of an ongoing integrated marketing/education program by the American Dairy Association/National Dairy Council.

According to the USDA, most kids don't get enough calcium in their daily diets. Nearly nine out of 10 teenage girls and seven out of 10 teenage boys fail to get the recommended amount of calcium in their daily diets. The USDA recommends at least three servings of milk, cheese or yogurt each day.

The "Fresh…for Life" campaign also highlights the wide selection of fresh, high-quality dairy products available at the Company's 2,400+ stores and Kroger's long history in dairy manufacturing. Kroger opened its first dairy manufacturing plant in 1928 and began shipping fresh dairy products to its stores. Seventy-five years later, Kroger ranks as one of America's largest dairy manufacturers, with 15 dairies, three ice cream plants and two cheese facilities.

"There's no question that a lot of Americans are interested in eating healthier and learning how to take better care of themselves. The 'Fresh for Life' campaign will remind our customers that adding more calcium to their diets offers significant nutritional benefits," said Bruce Macaulay, Kroger's group vice president of grocery merchandising. "It will also position our store dairies as a convenient source for the freshest dairy products."

"I am delighted that Kroger is promoting dairy foods through its 'Fresh for Life' campaign," said Linda Bass Wiley, registered dietitian with the Princeton School District in suburban Cincinnati. "Fresh milk, yogurt and cheese are the major sources of calcium, a mineral essential for the growth and maintenance of strong bones. We know that dairy foods promote excellent bone growth in children, but equally important to adults is the continued strength of our bones enhanced by the daily consumption of dairy foods."

Kroger will feature 3-A-Day messaging throughout the year in "Fresh… for Life" advertising, in-store signage and targeted promotions.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,461 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states under approximately two dozen banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith's, Fry's and Fry's Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operates (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 783 convenience stores, 441 fine jewelry stores, 341 supermarket fuel centers and 41 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com.

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