KROGER ANNOUNCES RATIFICATION OF NEW CONTRACT COVERING 6,800 ASSOCIATES IN DALLAS

CINCINNATI, OH, December 5, 2005 – The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today said that members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1000 in Dallas have ratified a new four-year labor agreement.

The new contract, which covers approximately 6,800 clerks at 88 stores in the Dallas area, provides excellent wages and benefits – including affordable health care – that will enable Kroger to be more competitive on labor costs with other retailers in the market.

“I appreciate the work of the bargaining committee to reach a fair settlement that provides our associates with wage increases and continues a quality health care plan,” said Bill Breetz, president of Kroger’s Southwest division. ”Our associates are the best in the business at providing a great shopping experience for our customers.”

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,531 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, Fry’s Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly or through subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 792 convenience stores, 439 fine jewelry stores, 520 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com.

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