Industry Intelligence

The Kroger Co. has joined the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Million Dollar Club, launched last year to recognize corporations that are leaders in supplier diversity and integrating Hispanic business enterprises into their strategic sourcing and procurement process.

Corporations qualify by spending between $25 million to over $500 million with Hispanic suppliers in the previous year. This is Kroger’s second consecutive year of qualifying for membership. The company was inducted in the $250 to $500 million annual expenditure category.

“The success of our business is linked to our efforts to encourage diversity throughout Kroger,” said Reuben Shaffer, Kroger’s chief diversity officer. “We are honored to receive this recognition and value our membership in the U.S. Hispanic Chamber's Million Dollar Club, which reflects our ongoing commitment to supplier diversity. We look forward to continuing our strong partnerships with Hispanic-owned businesses and their help carrying out our ‘Customer 1st’ strategy.”

In addition to supplier diversity, Kroger is committed to developing a work force that reflects the communities it serves, and meeting and exceeding the shopper needs of the growing multicultural market.

Kroger currently employs nearly 40,000 Hispanic or Latino associates. On Sept. 15, the grocer kicked off its annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, during which customers are invited to celebrate Latin American culture through special promotions with vendor partners, in-store food sampling and demonstrations, Hispanic Heritage-themed reusable bag giveaways, special events with concert ticket giveaways and a Hispanic Heritage Month-themed direct coupon mailing.

Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that combined generate in excess of $400 billion annually.

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,439 supermarkets and multi- department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.