KROGER PROMOTES KEY EXECUTIVE TO PRESIDENT OF DELTA DIVISION

CINCINNATI, OH, September 25, 2006 - The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced Mark Prestidge has been promoted to President of Kroger's Delta Division, effective October 1, 2006. Mr. Prestidge has held several leadership positions in the supermarket industry, including his most recent role as Vice President of Operations for Kroger's Southwest Division.

"Mark brings more than 32 years of retail and division management experience to his new position. His leadership in day-to-day operations both at Kroger and with other retailers will benefit our associates and customers in the Delta division," said Don McGeorge, President and Chief Operating Officer of Kroger.

Prior to joining Kroger in 2004, Mr. Prestidge, 47, spent 22 years with Randall's Food Markets. His leadership roles in that company included serving as Senior Vice President of Operations for Randall's/Safeway Food Markets, where he oversaw daily operations for 122 supermarkets. Prior to that assignment, he was President of the company's Tom Thumb division.

Kroger's Delta division, based in Memphis, Tenn., includes 111 Kroger stores in Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. Mr. Prestidge succeeds Richard Tillman who recently announced his retirement after a 42-year career with Kroger. "Dick and his team have made significant strides in enhancing the service, selection and value we offer our customers. We appreciate Dick's contributions and thank him for his commitment to Kroger," Mr. McGeorge said.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,477 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners including Kroger and Kroger Marketplace, 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) 773 convenience stores, 418 fine jewelry stores, 608 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com.