KROGER PROVIDES “STUFF OF CHAMPIONS” FOR 2004 PILLSBURY BAKE-OFF® CONTEST
Grocer Poised to Repeat Winning Ways in 2004 Through Superior Service and Superior Shoppers

CINCINNATI, OH, January 19, 2004 -- With entries for the 2004 Pillsbury Bake-Off competition already rolling in, Kroger and The Kroger Co. Family of Stores once again stand poised to support this highly anticipated national competition in 2004.

Backed by the superior products and creative cooking ideas provided by Kroger, its customers made a strong showing in the 2002 competition, with 22 of the 100 finalists identifying themselves as Kroger shoppers. Among those shoppers was Denise Yennie of Nashville, Tenn., who captured the 2002 Bake-Off contest grand prize of $1 million.

“We take a lot of pride in the incredible success that our customers have experienced in the Bake-Off competitions,” said Bob Zincke, Kroger executive vice president. “What better way to illustrate our commitment to a higher level of service than by providing contemporary meal solutions, great products, and meaningful recipe ideas that inspire creativity in our customers?”

In an effort to both motivate its customers for the 2004 competition and provide them with potential ideas, Kroger and The Kroger Co. Family of Stores will be promoting the Bake-Off Contest in stores during the first week of February and will be issuing a special cook book – complete with recipe ideas and store coupons – via direct mail.

To enter the contest, customers may visit www.kroger.com. Entries for the 2004 Bake-Off will be accepted through March 10, 2004, with the field of entries narrowed to 100 finalists by the end of April. Those finalists will be flown to Hollywood for the Bake-Off finals competition June 26-29, 2004. While it’s by no means an easy task to make it into the finals of the most prestigious cooking and baking contest in the U.S., it’s apparent that Kroger shoppers have the resources to be successful.

“My life has changed in so many ways as a result of winning the 2002 Bake-Off Contest and the $1 million grand prize, but one thing hasn’t changed – I’m still a loyal Kroger shopper,” said Ms. Yennie. “I’ve always enjoyed cooking, and Kroger consistently provides me with a wide variety of foods as inspiration, and the spark of creativity for me in the kitchen. When I walk the aisles I see possibilities, not just food.”

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger (NSYE: KR) is one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,530 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states under 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 operated (either directly, through its subsidiaries or franchise agreements) 798 convenience stores, 445 fine jewelry stores, 442 supermarket fuel centers and 41 food processing plants. (These store figures include locations affected by ongoing labor disputes.) The Company contributed $106 million to local communities and non-profit organizations in 2002. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com.

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