KROGER ANNOUNCES NEW $500 MILLION STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

CINCINNATI, OH, May 5, 2006 - The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of $500 million of Kroger common stock.

The timing of the repurchases will vary according to market conditions. This repurchase program replaces the $500 million stock buyback announced in September 2004, which had approximately $7.5 million remaining at close of business Thursday. The Company reiterated its commitment to Kroger's long-term financial strategy of using one-third of free cash flow for debt reduction and two-thirds for share repurchase and the payment of a cash dividend.

"The new share repurchase program reflects our confidence in the Company's strategic plan and our belief that Kroger shares represent an attractive investment opportunity," said David B. Dillon, Kroger chairman and chief executive officer.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of fiscal 2005, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,507 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith’s and Smith’s Marketplace, Fry’s and Fry’s Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly or through subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 791 convenience stores, 428 fine jewelry stores, 579 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at http://www.kroger.com.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements about the future performance of the Company. These statements are based on management's assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Such statements are indicated by the word "commitment." These forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially. The Company's long-term strategy of using one-third of free cash flow for debt reduction and two-thirds for share repurchase and the payment of a dividend will depend on our ability to generate sales and to reduce costs and manage our gross margin, as well as our ability to manage our working capital. Please refer to Kroger's reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties.

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