<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001206774-13-001819.txt : 20130514
<SEC-HEADER>0001206774-13-001819.hdr.sgml : 20130514
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20130514101042
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001206774-13-001819
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	DEFA14A
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		6
FILED AS OF DATE:		20130514
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20130514
EFFECTIVENESS DATE:		20130514

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			KROGER CO
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000056873
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	RETAIL-GROCERY STORES [5411]
		IRS NUMBER:				310345740
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			OH
		FISCAL YEAR END:			0203

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		DEFA14A
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-00303
		FILM NUMBER:		13839677

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1014 VINE ST
		CITY:			CINCINNATI
		STATE:			OH
		ZIP:			45201
		BUSINESS PHONE:		5137624000
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>DEFA14A
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>kroger_defa14a.htm
<DESCRIPTION>DEFINITIVE ADDITIONAL PROXY SOLICITING MATERIALS
<TEXT>

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<BR>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size=2>SCHEDULE 14A </FONT></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size=2>(Rule 14a-101) </FONT></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size=2>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT </FONT></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size=2>SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION </FONT></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size=2>Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the<BR>Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )</FONT><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV align=left>
<TABLE style="LINE-HEIGHT: 14pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>

  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="12%" colSpan=3><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Filed by the Registrant
      [X]</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="88%" colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="12%" colSpan=3><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Filed by a Party other than
      the Registrant [&nbsp;&nbsp; ]&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2></FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="87%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="12%"  colSpan=3>&nbsp; </TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="87%" ></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="12%" colSpan=3><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Check the appropriate
      box:</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="87%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>[&nbsp;&nbsp; ]</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="10%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Preliminary Proxy
      Statement</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>[&nbsp;&nbsp; ]&nbsp;
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="87%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Soliciting Material Under Rule
      14a-12</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>[&nbsp;&nbsp; ]</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="10%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Confidential, For Use of
      the<BR>Commission Only (as permitted<BR>by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="87%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>[&nbsp;&nbsp; ]</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="10%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Definitive Proxy
      Statement</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="88%" colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>[X]</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="10%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Definitive Additional
      Materials</FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="88%" colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV><BR>
<DIV>
<TABLE style="LINE-HEIGHT: 14pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>

  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="94%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>The Kroger Co.</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="3%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" width="94%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>(Name of Registrant as
      Specified In Its Charter)</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" width="3%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD width="3%" ></TD>
    <TD width="94%" >&nbsp; </TD>
    <TD width="3%" ></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="94%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="3%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="94%">
      <DIV align=center><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>(Name
      of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the
      Registrant)</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="3%">&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV><BR>
<DIV>
<TABLE style="LINE-HEIGHT: 14pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>

  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="100%" colSpan=5><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Payment of Filing Fee (Check
      the appropriate box):</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>[X]</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="98%" colSpan=3><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>No fee required.</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%">
      <DIV><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>[&nbsp;&nbsp;
      ]</FONT></FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="98%" colSpan=3>
      <DIV><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Fee computed on
      table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and
0-11.</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top align=right width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top align=right width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top align=right width="1%"><FONT size=2>1)</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top align=left width="1%">&nbsp;<FONT size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="96%"><FONT size=2>Title of each class of
      securities to which transaction applies:</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left" vAlign=top width="96%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>&nbsp;
      </FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ><FONT size=2>2)</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="96%" ><FONT size=2>Aggregate number of
      securities to which transaction applies:</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" vAlign=top width="96%" >&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ><FONT size=2>3)</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="96%" ><FONT size=2>Per unit price or
      other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act
      Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
      state how it was determined):</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" vAlign=top width="96%" >&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ><FONT size=2>4)</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="96%" ><FONT size=2>Proposed maximum
      aggregate value of transaction:</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" vAlign=top width="96%" >&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ><FONT size=2>5)</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="96%" ><FONT size=2>Total fee
      paid:</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" vAlign=top width="96%" >&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%">
      <DIV><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>[&nbsp;&nbsp;
      ]</FONT></FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="98%" colSpan=3>
      <DIV><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Fee paid previously
      with preliminary materials:</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal">
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%">
      <DIV><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>[&nbsp;&nbsp;
      ]</FONT></FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=right width="1%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" vAlign=top width="98%" colSpan=3>
      <DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
      Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
      was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
      statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its
      filing.</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD style="PADDING-TOP: 4pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT size=2>1)</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="96%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Amount previously
    paid:</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="96%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR style="PADDING-TOP: 4pt" vAlign=bottom>
    <TD style="PADDING-TOP: 4pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT size=2>2)</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="96%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Form, Schedule or Registration
      Statement No.:</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="96%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR style="PADDING-TOP: 4pt" vAlign=bottom>
    <TD style="PADDING-TOP: 4pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT size=2>3)</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="96%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Filing Party:</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="96%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR style="PADDING-TOP: 4pt" vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT size=2>4)</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="96%"><FONT style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" size=2>Date Filed:</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%" ></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="96%" >&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV><BR>
<HR align=center width="100%" noShade SIZE=2>



<DIV style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always"></DIV><BR>
<P align=center><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>*** Exercise Your
</FONT></B><B><I><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>Right</FONT></I></B><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> to Vote ***<BR></FONT></B><B><FONT face="Arial">Important Notice
Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the<BR>Shareholder Meeting to
Be Held on June 27, 2013.</FONT></B></P>


<DIV style="FLOAT: left; WIDTH: 1%"><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><IMG src="kroger_defa14ax5x1.jpg" border=0></DIV>

<DIV style="FLOAT: right; WIDTH: 95%">

<DIV style="FLOAT: left; WIDTH: 48%"><BR>
<P align=center><B><FONT face="Arial">THE KROGER CO.</FONT></B></P><BR>
<P align=center><STRONG><FONT face=Arial></FONT></STRONG>&nbsp;</P><IMG src="kroger_defa14ax1x1.jpg" border=0><BR><I><FONT face="Arial" size=1>THE
KROGER CO.<BR>1014 VINE STREET<BR>CINCINNATI, OH 45202</FONT></I></DIV>
<DIV style="FLOAT: right; WIDTH: 48%">
<DIV style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: black 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4pt; BORDER-LEFT: black 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 4pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1pt solid">
<DIV align=center><B><FONT face="Arial" size=2><U>Meeting
Information</U></FONT></B></DIV><BR>
<TABLE style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>

  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Meeting
      Type:</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="98%"><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Annual Meeting</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face="Arial" size=2><STRONG>For holders
      as of:</STRONG>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="98%"><FONT face="Arial" size=2>April 30,
  2013</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<DIV align=justify><B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Date:&nbsp;
</FONT></B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>June 27,
2013&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT><B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Time:&nbsp; </FONT></B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>11:00 AM EDT</FONT></DIV>
<TABLE style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>

  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Location:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT></B></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="98%"><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Music Hall Ballroom</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="98%"><FONT face=Arial size=2>Music Hall</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="98%"><FONT face="Arial" size=2>1241 Elm Street</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=2>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="98%"><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Cincinnati, OH
  45202</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV><BR clear=all>
<P align=justify><FONT face="Arial" size=2>You are receiving this
communication because you hold shares in the company named above. </FONT></P>
<P align=justify><FONT face="Arial" size=2>This is not a ballot. You cannot
use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an
overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the
Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at </FONT><I><FONT face="Arial" size=2>www.proxyvote.com </FONT></I><FONT face="Arial" size=2>or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side).</FONT></P>
<P align=justify><FONT face="Arial" size=2>We encourage you to access and
review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before
voting.</FONT></P>
<TABLE style="LINE-HEIGHT: 14pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>

  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD align=left width="100%" bgColor=#000000>
      <P align=justify><FONT color=#ffffff><B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>See the reverse side of
      this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting
      instructions.</FONT></B></FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV></DIV><BR clear=all><BR>
<HR align=center width="100%" noShade SIZE=2>

<DIV style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always"></DIV><BR>
<DIV style="FLOAT: left; WIDTH: 1%"><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>
<P align=left><IMG src="kroger_defa14ax2x1.jpg" border=0></P></DIV>
<DIV style="FLOAT: right; WIDTH: 95%">
<p align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>&mdash; <B>Before You Vote</B> &mdash;<BR></FONT><FONT face="Arial">How to Access the Proxy Materials</FONT></p>
<DIV style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 5pt; BORDER-TOP: black 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 5pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5pt; BORDER-LEFT: black 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 5pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1pt solid">
<DIV align=justify><B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Proxy Materials Available to
VIEW or RECEIVE:</FONT></B></DIV>
<P align=justify><FONT face="Arial" size=2>COMBINED NOTICE, PROXY STATEMENT,
AND ANNUAL REPORT</FONT></P>
<P align=justify><B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>How to View
Online:<BR></FONT></B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Have the information that is
printed in the box marked by the arrow <FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&agrave;</FONT></FONT> <FONT style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 2pt; BORDER-TOP: black 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 2pt; BORDER-LEFT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1pt solid" face="Arial" size=2>XXXX XXXX XXXX</FONT> <FONT face="Arial" size=2>(located on the following page) and visit: </FONT><I><FONT face="Arial" size=2>www.proxyvote.com.</FONT></I></P>
<DIV align=justify><B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>How to Request and Receive a
PAPER or E-MAIL Copy:<BR></FONT></B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>If you want to
receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There
is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your
request:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="10%" border=0>

  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
      </FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face="Arial" size=2>1)&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="36%"><I><FONT face="Arial" size=2>BY INTERNET</FONT></I><FONT face="Arial" size=2>:</FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="62%"><FONT face="Arial" size=2>www.proxyvote.com</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
      </FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face="Arial" size=2>2)</FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="36%"><I><FONT face="Arial" size=2>BY TELEPHONE</FONT></I><FONT face="Arial" size=2>:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
      </FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="62%"><FONT face="Arial" size=2>1-800-579-1639</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
      </FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face="Arial" size=2>3)</FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="36%"><I><FONT face="Arial" size=2>BY E-MAIL*</FONT></I><FONT face="Arial" size=2>:</FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="62%"><FONT face="Arial" size=2>sendmaterial@proxyvote.com</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV><BR>
<DIV align=justify><FONT face="Arial" size=2>* If requesting materials by
e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the information that is printed in the
box marked by the arrow <FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&agrave;</FONT> <FONT style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 2pt; BORDER-TOP: black 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 2pt; BORDER-LEFT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1pt solid" face="Arial" size=2>XXXX XXXX XXXX</FONT> (located on the following page) in
the subject line.</FONT></DIV>
<P align=justify><FONT face="Arial" size=2></FONT><FONT face="Arial" size=5></FONT></P>
<DIV align=justify><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Requests, instructions and other
inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment
advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before June 14, 2013
to facilitate timely delivery.</FONT></DIV></DIV><BR>
<p align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>&mdash; <B>How To Vote</B> &mdash;<BR></FONT><FONT face="Arial">Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods</FONT></p>
<DIV style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 5pt; BORDER-TOP: black 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 5pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5pt; BORDER-LEFT: black 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 5pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1pt solid">
<DIV align=justify><B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Vote In Person:
</FONT></B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Many shareholder meetings have
attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an
attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the
meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. At the
meeting, you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares. </FONT></DIV>
<P align=justify><B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Vote By Internet:
</FONT></B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>To vote now by Internet, go to
</FONT><I><FONT face="Arial" size=2>www.proxyvote.com. </FONT></I><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Have the information that is printed in the box marked by
the arrow <FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&agrave;</FONT> <FONT style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 2pt; BORDER-TOP: black 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 2pt; BORDER-LEFT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1pt solid" face="Arial" size=2>XXXX XXXX XXXX</FONT> (located on the following page) available and follow the
instructions.</FONT></P>
<P align=justify><FONT face="Arial" size=2></FONT><FONT face="Arial" size=5></FONT></P>
<DIV align=justify><B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>Vote By Mail:
</FONT></B><FONT face="Arial" size=2>You can vote by mail by requesting a
paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy
card.</FONT></DIV></DIV></DIV><BR clear=all><BR>
<HR align=center width="100%" noShade SIZE=2>

<DIV style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always"></DIV><BR>
<DIV style="FLOAT: left; WIDTH: 1%"><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><IMG src="kroger_defa14ax3x1.jpg" border=0> </DIV>
<DIV style="FLOAT: right; WIDTH: 95%">
<DIV style="FLOAT: left; WIDTH: 48%">
<TABLE style="LINE-HEIGHT: 14pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="10%" border=0>

  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2pt solid; TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="100%"><B><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
      &nbsp; Voting Items&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
      &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
      </FONT></B></TD></TR></TABLE><BR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 6pt">
<DIV align=justify><B><FONT face=Arial size=1>The Board of Directors recommends
you vote FOR the following:</FONT></B></DIV>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>

  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="97%" colSpan=3><FONT face=Arial size=1>Election of
      Directors</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="97%" colSpan=3><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>Nominees:</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1a.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>Reuben V.
      Anderson</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1b.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>Robert D.
    Beyer</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1c.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>David B.
    Dillon</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1d.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>Susan J.
  Kropf</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1e.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>John T.
    LaMacchia</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1f.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>David B.
  Lewis</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1g.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>W. Rodney
      McMullen</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1h.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>Jorge P.
    Montoya</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1i.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>Clyde R.
  Moore</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1j.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>Susan M.
    Phillips</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1k.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>Steven R.
    Rogel</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1l.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>James A.
  Runde</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1m.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>Ronald L.
    Sargent</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>1n.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap width="1%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></STRONG></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="95%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>Bobby S.
      Shackouls</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV><BR>
<DIV style="PADDING-RIGHT: 50pt; MARGIN-TOP: -10pt; FLOAT: right; WIDTH: 48%">
<DIV align=justify><B><FONT face=Arial size=1>The Board of Directors recommends
that you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3.<BR></FONT></B><BR>
<TABLE style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0>

  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap><FONT face=Arial size=1>2.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="100%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>Advisory vote to
      approve executive compensation.</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top colSpan=3><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap><FONT face=Arial size=1>3.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="100%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>Approval of
      PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as auditors.</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<P align=justify><B><FONT face=Arial size=1>The Board of Directors recommends
that you vote AGAINST proposals 4, 5, 6 and 7.</FONT></B></P>
<TABLE style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0>

  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap><FONT face=Arial size=1>4.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="100%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>A shareholder
      proposal, if properly presented, to publish a report on human rights risks in the supply chain.</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="100%" colSpan=3><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap><FONT face=Arial size=1>5.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="100%"><FONT face=Arial size=1>A shareholder
      proposal, if properly presented, to adopt a policy that the Board&#146;s
      chairman be an independent director.</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="100%" colSpan=3><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap ><FONT face=Arial size=1>6.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="100%" ><FONT face=Arial size=1>A
      shareholder proposal, if properly presented, to issue a report regarding
      extended producer responsibility for post-consumer package
      recycling.</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="100%" colSpan=3><FONT face=Arial size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap ><FONT face=Arial size=1>7.</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap ></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="100%" ><FONT face=Arial size=1>A
      shareholder proposal, if properly presented, to adopt and implement a
      comprehensive palm oil policy.</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P align=justify><B><FONT face=Arial size=1>NOTE: </FONT></B><FONT face=Arial size=1>The Company will transact such other business as may properly be brought
before the meeting. Holders of common shares of record at the close of business
on April 30, 2013 will be entitled to vote at the meeting. To receive directions
to the annual meeting please call 513-762-1220.</FONT></P>
<P align=justify><B><FONT face=Arial size=1>ADMISSION TICKET </FONT></B><FONT face=Arial size=1>&#150; if you plan to attend the annual meeting of shareholders,
please bring this notice with you as it serves as your admission ticket. This
ticket admits only the shareholder(s) listed on this notice and is not
transferable.</FONT></P></DIV></DIV><BR clear=all><BR>
<HR align=center width="100%" noShade SIZE=2>
<DIV style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always"></DIV><BR>
<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>
<DIV style="PADDING-RIGHT: 20pt; PADDING-LEFT: 20pt">
<HR style="MARGIN-TOP: -2px" color=black SIZE=4>

<HR style="MARGIN-TOP: -10px" color=black SIZE=1>
</DIV><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><IMG src="kroger_defa14ax4x1.jpg" border=0>&nbsp;
<TABLE style="LINE-HEIGHT: 14pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>

  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff><B><FONT face="times new roman" size=2>&nbsp; </FONT></B></TD></TR></TABLE>

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