Key Stats
Founded in 1883 by Barney Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio
Operates 2,731 supermarkets across 35 states and District of Columbia as of 2025
Current market capitalization stands at approximately 45 billion dollars
Annual revenue reaches 147 billion dollars for fiscal year 2025
Employs over 409,000 full-time and part-time associates nationwide
Kroger operates as one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, providing grocery and retail services through multiple store formats. The company manages combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price impact warehouses across the nation.
The retailer owns 33 food production plants that manufacture dairy products, baked goods, and other private-label items. Kroger serves approximately 63 million households annually through its extensive network of stores and digital platforms.
With operations spanning from coast to coast, Kroger maintains strong local ties through various regional banner names. The company operates 2,273 pharmacies and 1,702 fuel centers as part of its comprehensive retail ecosystem.
Kroger History
Kroger Co-founders
Kroger Competitors
Kroger faces intense competition in the grocery retail sector from national chains, warehouse clubs, and online retailers. Walmart leads the market with 23.6 percent of grocery sales in the United States.
| Company | Type | Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Supercenter Chain | Largest grocery retailer |
| Costco Wholesale | Warehouse Club | Second-largest competitor |
| Amazon | E-commerce/Retail | Leading online grocer |
| Albertsons Companies | Supermarket Chain | Direct competitor |
| Target Corporation | General Merchandise | Growing grocery presence |
| Publix Super Markets | Regional Supermarket | Southeast competitor |
| Ahold Delhaize | Supermarket Chain | East Coast presence |
| H-E-B | Regional Supermarket | Texas market leader |
| Meijer | Supercenter Chain | Midwest competitor |
| Whole Foods Market | Natural Foods | Premium segment |
Kroger Revenue
Kroger generates annual revenue of 147 billion dollars as of fiscal year 2025. The company’s revenue streams include grocery sales, pharmacy operations, fuel centers, and data analytics services through its customer loyalty program.
Kroger Marketcap
The company maintains a market capitalization of approximately 45 billion dollars as of late 2025. Kroger ranks as the world’s 514th most valuable company by market cap, reflecting its position as a large-cap retail corporation.
Kroger Acquisitions
Kroger’s growth strategy has centered on strategic acquisitions that expand geographic reach and strengthen market position. The Dillon Companies merger in 1983 marked a turning point, bringing established regional chains like King Soopers and Fry’s under the Kroger umbrella and establishing coast-to-coast operations.
The 1999 Fred Meyer merger stands as the most significant acquisition in company history. This 13 billion dollar transaction brought multiple successful chains including Smith’s, Ralphs, QFC, and Food 4 Less into the Kroger family. The merger created economies of scale in purchasing, manufacturing, and logistics while providing the broadest geographic coverage in the food retail industry.
Harris Teeter joined Kroger in 2014 through a 2.5 billion dollar acquisition that added 227 stores across eight southeastern states. The purchase allowed Kroger to enter the Charlotte market after a 25-year absence and strengthened its position in the Mid-Atlantic region. Harris Teeter continues to operate as a distinct brand, maintaining its upscale market positioning and customer service reputation.
The Roundy’s acquisition in 2015 brought 166 stores operating under the Mariano’s, Pick ‘n Save, and Metro Market banners. This 800 million dollar deal strengthened Kroger’s presence in Wisconsin and Illinois, particularly in the competitive Chicago and Milwaukee markets where the company previously lacked a strong foothold.
Beyond large supermarket chains, Kroger has made strategic acquisitions in specialty retail and technology. The company purchased Home Chef in 2018 for 200 million dollars with additional performance incentives, expanding into the meal kit delivery market. In 2014, Kroger acquired Vitacost.com, entering the online health and nutrition market before divesting the business several years later.
FAQs
Who founded Kroger and when did it start?
Barney Kroger founded the company in 1883 by investing 372 dollars to open a single grocery store at 66 Pearl Street in Cincinnati, Ohio, with the motto of never selling anything he wouldn’t want himself.
How many stores does Kroger operate in 2025?
Kroger operates 2,731 supermarkets across 35 states and the District of Columbia as of February 2025, with 2,273 pharmacies and 1,702 fuel centers integrated within its retail network.
What is Kroger’s current market capitalization?
As of late 2025, Kroger maintains a market capitalization of approximately 45 billion dollars, making it the 514th most valuable company globally and a significant player in large-cap retail stocks.
Who are Kroger’s main competitors in grocery retail?
Walmart serves as Kroger’s fiercest competitor with 23.6 percent market share, followed by Costco Wholesale, Amazon, and Target Corporation in the grocery sector.
What was Kroger’s biggest acquisition?
The 1999 merger with Fred Meyer represents Kroger’s largest acquisition at 13 billion dollars, bringing Smith’s, Ralphs, QFC, and Food 4 Less chains while creating the broadest geographic coverage in the industry.