SCUTT NAMED GROUP VICE PRESIDENT AT KROGER

CINCINNATI, OH, May 21, 2002 -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that Paul Scutt has been named Group Vice President of Retail Operations for the Company.

Mr. Scutt, 53, has gained broad experience in merchandising and operations during his 37-year career in food retailing. He most recently served as President of Kroger’s Central Division, based in Indianapolis, for the past two years. Before that, he served as Regional Vice President for the Company while based in Hutchinson, Kansas. He also served for seven years as Vice President of Merchandising at the Central Division and, prior to that, as Director of Retail Operations.

Mr. Scutt will be responsible for identifying and coordinating "best practices" to improve the operating efficiency of the Company’s more than 2,400 retail stores. He also will focus on opportunities to improve store productivity and worker safety. Mr. Scutt will report to David Dillon, Kroger president and chief operating officer.

In his new position, Mr. Scutt succeeds Saundra Linn, who has been named Vice President of Special Projects and Drug/GM Merchandiser in the Atlanta Division.

"Paul’s broad experience in merchandising and operations will be a strategic advantage for Kroger as we identify new opportunities to operate more efficiently," Mr. Dillon said.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of fiscal 2001, the Company (either directly or through its subsidiaries) operated 2,418 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, Dillon, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operates (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 789 convenience stores, 427 fine jewelry stores, 227 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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