The Kroger Co

The Kroger Co

The Kroger Co. (KR) is an American retail company that operates as one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States. Founded in 1883 by Bernard Kroger, the company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and operates over 2,700 grocery retail stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger's store formats include combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price-impact warehouse stores, offering a wide range of products such as natural foods, organic produce, pharmacies, general merchandise, and more. The company also operates numerous fuel centers, pharmacies, and in-store medical clinics. Kroger is a significant employer, with over 414,000 employees, and is known for its extensive private-label manufacturing network, producing about 40% of its private-label products through its 33 manufacturing plants. The company is listed on the NYSE and is recognized for its strong market presence and dividend payments, making it a notable player in the consumer defensive sector.