Supplier Inclusion
“As America’s grocer, we believe our stores and products should reflect the customers and communities we serve. That’s why we are committed to building an inclusive and sustainable supply chain that enables diverse suppliers to grow their business and provide our customers with the foods they crave.”
– CEO / Executive Statement
At Kroger, we believe that fostering an inclusive supplier base not only strengthens our business but also enriches the communities we serve. By working with a wide range of suppliers, we ensure that our products and services reflect the diverse needs and preferences of our customers. This program is designed to support and empower a variety of businesses to help them thrive and grow alongside us. Through these efforts, we aim to create a more inclusive marketplace that benefits everyone.
Supplier Inclusion
Supplier Inclusion is a testament to our unwavering commitment to our core values, which include inclusion and diversity.
We are committed to providing everyone with an opportunity to compete, which allows us to identify the best companies to work with. This approach ensures that we deliver the best overall value to our customers. By embracing inclusion in our supplier selection process, we enhance our product offerings and drive innovation and excellence with unique perspectives and ideas, leading to better problem-solving and creativity. Our commitment to this approach reflects our belief that an inclusive supplier base is essential for achieving sustainable growth and success in today’s dynamic market. We are confident that this approach will benefit our business and contribute to the overall well-being of our communities.
In addition to fostering inclusion, we also participate in mentoring programs to support the growth and development of our suppliers. Our mentoring initiatives provide valuable guidance, resources and networking opportunities to help suppliers enhance their capabilities and achieve their business goals. While these programs are primarily targeted at small and diverse-owned businesses, Kroger is focused on working with all suppliers.
By maintaining transparency and upholding our values, we aim to build trust and loyalty among our customers, which ultimately strengthens our brands and drives better business outcomes.
What is a small and/or diverse business?
A company is considered small when they meet the requirements of the SBA size standards.
A company is considered diverse when it is certified as owned, managed and controlled by a diverse individual(s):
- Ethnic-Minority
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBTQ)
- Person with a disability
- Veteran (Disabled and Service Disabled)
- Woman
Our Supplier Inclusion Policy
It is the policy of The Kroger Co. that certified small and/or diverse businesses have the opportunity to participate in and compete for Kroger contracts alongside other suppliers.
Certifications
We accept the following certifying organizations to further supplier inclusion and develop small and diverse supplier relationships:
- Disability:IN
- National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
- National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
- National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA)
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- Department of VA (run by SBA)
- Federal Department of Transportation (DOT)
- National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC)
- SBA 8a
- SBA HUBZone
- SBA WOSB (3rd party certification)
- U.S. Pan Asian Chamber of Commerce (USPACC)
Kroger recommends prospective small and/or diverse suppliers pursue certification with the appropriate organizations for their business.
We also recognize certifications from the following global organizations:
- CAMSC
- CGLCC
- Integrare – Brazil
- MSDChina
- Minority Supplier Development – UK
- OUTBritain
- South African Minority Supplier Development Council
- Supply Nation – Australia
- WBE-Canada
- WECONNECT
***If you are a small business who does not qualify for the small business certificates listed above but do meet the SBA size guidelines, please reach out to supplierinclusion@kroger.com for additional options.
Becoming a Kroger Supplier
To begin the conversation with Kroger, start with these three steps:
- Review our New Vendor Checklist.
- If you are not a current Kroger supplier you may click here to begin the qualification process in Kroger’s vendor management system, Supplier Hub.
- Email your company’s capability statement to supplierinclusion@kroger.com.
Note: This process does not guarantee a contract with Kroger’s family of companies.
