Frederic Melton
The Kroger Company, founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the largest supermarket operator in the U.S. with 2,719 grocery retail stores across 35 states. Kroger has 33 manufacturing plants and offers its own in-house brand of products, including cheese. The company acquired Murray's Cheese in 2017, which has cheese counters in over 1,100 stores. Kroger also manufactures its branded cottage cheese at its Michigan Dairy Plant, Winchester Farms Dairy Plant, and Heritage Farms Dairy Plant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of stores | 2,719 grocery retail stores |
| Location of stores | 35 states (mostly in the South, Midwest and West) and the District of Columbia |
| Store formats | 134 multi-department stores, 2,273 combo stores, 191 marketplace stores, and 121 price-impact warehouse stores |
| Other operations | 33 manufacturing plants, 1,642 supermarket fuel centers, 2,254 pharmacies, 225 The Little Clinic in-store medical clinics, and 127 jewelry stores |
| Dairy | Michigan Dairy in Livonia, Michigan |
| Dairy partnership | MMPA (Michigan Milk Producers Association) |
| Acquired cheese companies | Murray's Cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Kroger's acquisition of Murray's Cheese
Murray's Cheese was founded in 1940 by Murray Greenberg, a Jewish immigrant who opened a small store selling butter and eggs on the corner of Bleecker and Cornelia Streets in Greenwich Village. Over the years, the store changed ownership a few times before landing in the hands of Rob Kaufelt, who sold the store to Kroger in 2017.
Kroger's partnership with Murray's Cheese began earlier, with the installation of three Murray's kiosks inside Kroger stores in 2012. The number of outposts grew rapidly, with almost 100 added each year, and now there are more than 250. The partnership also led to the training of Kroger's employees as Certified Cheese Professionals recognized by the American Cheese Society.
Through the acquisition, Kroger now owns the Murray's name and the street-level retail space that houses the Murray's store and the neighbouring Amy's Bread. The deal excited Kroger's customers, who would now be able to buy the unique offerings of Murray's Cheese right in their store. It also allowed Murray's to expand its reach and bring its carefully curated selection of cheeses from around the world to a wider audience.
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Michigan Dairy and Kroger's partnership
The Michigan Dairy, operated by the Kroger Co. of Michigan, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019. The dairy plant in Livonia, Michigan, first opened in August 1967 as The Kroger Dairy, producing fluid milk, culture, and ice cream. In the early 1980s, the name changed to Michigan Dairy to accommodate custom sales. The plant currently focuses on fluid milk, cottage cheese, and sour cream.
The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is a dairy farmer-owned cooperative that supplies the Michigan Dairy plant with milk from its member farms. The partnership between MMPA and Kroger began with a three-year, 100% supply contract when the plant opened in 1967. Today, the Michigan Dairy processes MMPA member milk for 152 Kroger stores in Michigan and Ohio. The two organizations have also collaborated on various initiatives, including food security, youth development, and dairy promotion.
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Michigan Dairy, MMPA honored Kroger with the inaugural Valued Partner Award at MMPA's 101st Annual State Delegate Meeting in 2019. MMPA announced the donation of 150 gallons of milk per day for one year, totaling 54,750 gallons, to aid residents of Flint, Michigan, following the water crisis. This donation was made possible through the processing of 50 gallons at the Michigan Dairy plant.
Kroger also hosted an open house for the community as part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations, welcoming over 1,000 attendees who toured the plant, participated in games and activities, and engaged in conversations about dairy with Michigan Dairy Ambassadors. The event showcased Kroger's commitment to supporting local farmers and giving back to the community.
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Kroger's in-house cheese brand
Kroger is an American retail company that operates supermarkets and multi-department stores across the United States. Founded in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger now has 2,719 grocery retail stores in 35 states and Washington, D.C. The company has a long history of innovation in the grocery industry, becoming the first grocery chain to have its own bakery in 1902 and the first to monitor product quality and test foods in the 1930s.
Kroger's core in-house brand offers a wide range of items at affordable prices, including tomato sauce, dishwasher detergent, ice cream, and more. The company also has several other private labels, including Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic, which feature clean-label foods made with simple ingredients.
In terms of cheese specifically, Kroger has an in-house brand called Private Selection that offers pimento cheese, among other products. In addition, Kroger acquired Murray's Cheese, a New York-based company, in 2017. Murray's Cheese has counters in over 1,100 Kroger stores and offers a variety of cheeses, including the Merquen Vault 5 Cheddar, a Vermont-made cheddar rubbed in smoked chili powder. Murray's also offers a cave-aged Double Doe, a perfect table cheese to enjoy with a warm sourdough, and has recently launched a new Extra Aged Stockinghall Cheddar.
Kroger also manufactures its own branded cottage cheese at its Michigan Dairy Plant, Winchester Farms Dairy Plant, and Heritage Farms Dairy Plant. The Michigan Dairy, operated by Kroger, has been in business for over 50 years and supplies fresh milk, cottage cheese, and sour cream to Kroger stores.
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Kroger's Private Selection range
One of the standout items in the Private Selection cheese collection is the Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cracker Cuts. This cheese is crafted from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes, resulting in a smooth texture and robust flavour. It pairs well with full-bodied wines or hearty, whole-grain breads, making it a versatile option for snacking or entertaining.
In addition to cheese, the Private Selection range also includes unique ice cream flavours such as New York-Style Strawberry Cheesecake. This flavour, available in 16-pint and 48-oz tubs, features a cream cheese base and is described as tasting like a strawberry milkshake. While some reviewers noted that the cheesecake flavour could have been more prominent, the ice cream is generally well-regarded for its taste and value.
The Private Selection range also offers a variety of snacks and appetisers, such as Vegetable Samosas and Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Buttons. These options provide convenient and delicious choices for parties or everyday snacking, showcasing the range's versatility and commitment to flavour.
Overall, Kroger's Private Selection range delivers on its promise of extraordinary flavour experiences. From cheese to ice cream and snacks, the range offers a sophisticated yet accessible culinary journey for those seeking something special without sacrificing convenience.
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Kroger's relationship with local dairy farmers
One of the longest-standing relationships is with Horning Farms, an MMPA member farm that has supplied Michigan Dairy for decades. In 2019, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Michigan Dairy, Kroger hosted an open house for the community, with Horning Farms bringing a cow and a calf to the event. This event showcased Kroger's commitment to local communities and their initiatives with local dairy farmers.
In addition to its Michigan operations, Kroger has also expanded its dairy sourcing to other states. In 2017, Kroger acquired Murray's Cheese, a New York-based company with cheese counters in over 1,100 stores. This acquisition expanded Kroger's cheese offerings and provided a platform for smaller cheesemakers to reach a wider audience. For example, in 2023, Murray's launched a new cheese, the Merquen Vault 5 Cheddar, made by the Greensboro, Vermont-based Jasper Hills Farm.
Overall, Kroger's relationship with local dairy farmers is characterised by long-standing partnerships, a commitment to local communities, and a focus on bringing high-quality dairy products to consumers across the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
Kroger gets its cheese from various sources, including its own manufacturing plants and external suppliers. For example, Kroger manufactures its branded cottage cheese at its Michigan Dairy Plant, Winchester Farms Dairy Plant, and Heritage Farms Dairy Plant.
Kroger offers a wide range of cheese brands, including Murray's Cheese, which Kroger acquired in 2017. Murray's Cheese has cheese counters in over 1,100 stores, including Kroger, Ralphs, QFC, Fred Meyer, and Harris Teeter.
Yes, Kroger has its own line of cheese products under its core in-house brand, Kroger Label. Some examples of their cheese items include pimento cheese and frozen paprika shrimp wrapped in applewood bacon under their Private Selection offerings.
Kroger's cheese products can be found at any of their 2,719 grocery retail stores across the United States, including their combo stores, marketplace stores, and price-impact warehouse stores.
