The Kroger Co. operates a U.S. grocery retail business with supermarkets across multiple banners, complemented by fuel centers, pharmacies, private-label products, manufacturing, advertising and data analytics. News about KR commonly covers fresh food and seasonal merchandising, pickup and delivery services, digital coupons, private brands such as Simple Truth, Private Selection and Kroger brand products, and customer access through Kroger.com, the Kroger app and delivery marketplaces.
Company updates also include Harris Teeter, a wholly owned Kroger subsidiary, with recurring coverage of pharmacy services, nutrition support, grocery promotions, fuel rewards, community programs and associate initiatives. Other news themes include new products entering Kroger-banner stores, floral and gift offerings such as Bloom Haus, and enterprise training programs such as Pearl Street Academy.
Kroger (NYSE: KR) has launched the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard, available now for everyday purchases and grocery rewards. The card has no annual fee and offers up to 5X Points on purchases through Kroger.com and the Kroger app. Rewards connect to customers' loyalty accounts and can be redeemed for dollars off groceries and fuel. Customers can apply and manage rewards through Kroger's app or website, using Imprint's technology.
Kroger (KR) announced on September 25, 2026, that Kroger Health president Colleen Lindholz will retire after 31 years with the company. Lindholz joined Kroger as a pharmacist in 1995, became president and CEO of the Little Clinic in 2015, and was named president of Kroger Health in 2017. Kroger credits her with shaping its Food as Medicine strategy and creating the Nourishing Change movement.
Kroger (KR) presented its artificial intelligence strategy at GroceryShop 2026, emphasizing the use of decades of customer and operational data to enhance shopping experiences, support associates and improve business decisions.
The company highlighted a portfolio of proprietary and third-party AI models covering demand forecasting, operational optimization, personalization and generative AI. Kroger described a three-stage journey from assisted to augmented to autonomous AI, with governance, privacy and security as central principles. Current applications include an AI Shopping Assistant for meal planning and budgeting, conversational search, tools for frontline teams, and AI literacy training for more than 400,000 associates.
Kroger (KR) will host its 2026 Investor Day on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The event will include presentations and a question-and-answer session with executive leaders, including CEO Greg Foran and CFO David Kennerley. Management plans to update attendees on Kroger's strategic priorities and long-term financial outlook. A live webcast will run from 9:00 a.m. ET to approximately 12:00 p.m. ET, with access and later replay available via the investor relations website at ir.kroger.com under Events & Presentations.
Kroger (KR) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share, payable on December 1, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 16, 2026.
The quarterly dividend has grown at a 13% compounded annual rate since its reinstatement in 2006. The company continues to expect, subject to board approval, that the dividend will increase over time, consistent with its capital allocation strategy to use free cash flow for business investment, maintaining its investment-grade debt rating, and returning capital to shareholders.
Kroger (KR) is launching a limited-time Private Selection Pumpkin Harvest Collection across its Family of Stores starting September 16, 2026.
The seasonal lineup features more than 15 pumpkin-inspired items spanning beverages, snacks and bakery treats, including pumpkin spice coffee, syrups, popcorn, cashews, granola clusters, muffins, blondies and cookies. The company also highlights complementary fall offerings like Private Selection all beef hot dogs and Angus beef patties, plus Kroger Brand guacamole options, available in store, online, for pickup or delivery, and via DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Harris Teeter (KR) plans to invest approximately $253 million over the next three years to refresh and modernize select stores across the Charlotte, North Carolina, metro area and to develop three new locations.
Renovations will span communities including Fort Mill and Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Matthews, Waxhaw, Concord and Huntersville, North Carolina. Store enhancements may include expanded fresh, bakery and prepared foods, layout and fixture updates, parking-area improvements, faster pickup and delivery services, and updated decor and signage. New stores are planned in Fort Mill and Lake Wylie, South Carolina, and Kannapolis, North Carolina, with upgrades rolling out in phases and grand re-openings featuring Taste of Teeter events.
Kroger (KR) is promoting healthier eating in late summer by highlighting the nutritional benefits of peak-season fruits and vegetables and offering a $5 off a $20 produce purchase.
Kroger dietitians recommend berries, corn, peaches, peppers, tomatoes, watermelon and zucchini for their fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and hydration benefits. Customers can access virtual dietitian appointments via Kroger.com/Health to plan balanced meals. The $5 produce offer can be redeemed in store or through the Kroger app by clipping a digital coupon and shopping any fresh department, with options for in-store, pickup, delivery in as little as 30 minutes, or on-demand via DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Kroger (KR) reported second quarter 2026 sales of $34.6 billion and earnings per share of $1.05, with adjusted EPS of $1.09, for the quarter ended August 15, 2026.
Identical sales without fuel grew 0.2%, including a 138 basis point unfavorable impact from the Inflation Reduction Act. Operating profit rose to $971 million from $863 million, while adjusted FIFO operating profit was $1,076 million versus $1,091 million a year earlier. Gross margin was 22.4% of sales, down from 22.5%, but the FIFO gross margin rate excluding rent, depreciation, amortization and fuel increased 13 basis points. Adjusted eCommerce sales grew 20% and Kroger Precision Marketing profit increased 24%. The company cut full‑year 2026 identical sales without fuel guidance to 0.2%–0.8% from 1.0%–2.0%, but reaffirmed guidance for FIFO operating profit, EPS, free cash flow, capital expenditures and tax rate.
Kroger (KR) appointed Mark Ibbotson as Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer, effective September 14, 2026.
Ibbotson has decades of experience leading large-scale retail operations and omnichannel transformations, including senior roles at Walmart U.S. and its former U.K. subsidiary Asda. At Asda he advanced through operational leadership positions to become Chief Operating Officer, overseeing hundreds of stores, improving efficiency and cost, and expanding eCommerce, pickup and drive-through services.
At Walmart U.S., he served as Senior Vice President of Innovation and later Executive Vice President of Central Operations and Realty, with responsibilities spanning store operations, real estate, asset protection and key elements of Walmart’s digital transformation, including grocery eCommerce, pickup and delivery, and associate training through Walmart Academies. Since 2020, he has advised retail and technology companies and served as a Senior Advisor to McKinsey & Company.