Kroger Expands Specialty Cheeses
CINCINNATI -- Fresh on the heels of news that it's broadening its organic foods line, The Kroger Co. here has inked a deal with renowned New York-based Murray's Cheese to expand its specialty cheese program.
"Our partnership with Murray's allows us to build on their expertise as we expand our cheese offerings for our customers," said Jeff Burt, Kroger's v.p./deli bakery merchandising for Kroger.
Rob Kaufelt, Murray's president, said the deal with the nation's largest grocery chain would give his company "an unprecedented chance to fulfill our mission, which is, simply, to bring great cheese to everyone."
Terms of the agreement weren't disclosed. The companies expect to begin offering Murray's Cheese in select Kroger stores in early 2008.
Founded in 1940 and based in Greenwich Village, Murray's is the oldest cheese shop in New York City. It has been named Best Cheese Shop in the World by Forbes.com and msnbc.com, and Best Cheese Shop in New York by Time Out New York. Murray's Zagat Marketplace rating is 29, making it the highest ranked of all gourmet stores in New York.
Kroger operates 2,458 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners.
"Our partnership with Murray's allows us to build on their expertise as we expand our cheese offerings for our customers," said Jeff Burt, Kroger's v.p./deli bakery merchandising for Kroger.
Rob Kaufelt, Murray's president, said the deal with the nation's largest grocery chain would give his company "an unprecedented chance to fulfill our mission, which is, simply, to bring great cheese to everyone."
Terms of the agreement weren't disclosed. The companies expect to begin offering Murray's Cheese in select Kroger stores in early 2008.
Founded in 1940 and based in Greenwich Village, Murray's is the oldest cheese shop in New York City. It has been named Best Cheese Shop in the World by Forbes.com and msnbc.com, and Best Cheese Shop in New York by Time Out New York. Murray's Zagat Marketplace rating is 29, making it the highest ranked of all gourmet stores in New York.
Kroger operates 2,458 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners.