SMITH’S ASSOCIATES IN NEW MEXICO RATIFY NEW LABOR AGREEMENT

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, June 19, 2009 – Associates with Smith’s Food & Drug in New Mexico have ratified a new labor agreement, The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) said today. The associates are members of United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 1564 in New Mexico. Smith’s is a division of Kroger.

The agreement covers more than 2,000 Smith’s associates who work in 26 stores in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Farmington and the surrounding areas.

“This agreement maintains quality jobs and affordable health care for our associates and their families in this challenging economy and keeps our stores competitive,” said
Jim Hallsey, president of Smith’s Food and Drug.

About The Kroger Co.
Kroger, one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains, employs more than 326,000 associates who serve customers in 2,481 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states. Kroger operates stores under two dozen local banner names including, Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, Dillons, QFC and City Market. In addition, Kroger associates serve customers in 771 convenience stores, 385 fine jewelry stores and 781 supermarket fuel centers the Company operates. Kroger also operates 40 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 www.kroger.com.

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