about

The Only Retail Partner Inside Kroger Headquarters

We’re the only retail broker with an office inside Kroger headquarters. When you partner with Empire, you are joining a trusted and strategic ally of Kroger.
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unique

What Sets Empire Apart

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Only Office Inside Kroger HQ

Direct access to decision-makers and real-time collaboration with Kroger leadership.
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Division-level Connectivity

Empire has a President, biz-dev manager and rep at every division, in or nearby each Kroger office.
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Technology-Enabled Execution

AI-driven merchandising, predictive analytics, and real-time shelf visibility.
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Department Specialization

Dedicated experts for Meat/Seafood, Deli/Bakery, Produce, and Center Store.
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Proven Stability

Less than half the industry turnover rate with 85% full-time division reps.
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Strategic Partner Status

Kroger preferred partner across multiple categories with proven ROI delivery.
A building icon in an orange box

Only Office Inside Kroger HQ

Direct access to decision-makers and real-time collaboration with Kroger leadership
A house icon in an orange box

Division-level Connectivity

Empire offices and business development manager in every Kroger division.
A microchip icon in an orange box

Technology-Enabled Execution

AI-driven merchandising, predictive analytics, and real-time shelf visibility.
A hamburger icon in an orange box

Department Specialization

Dedicated experts for Meat/Seafood, Deli/Bakery, Produce, and Center Store.
A person icon in an orange box

Proven Stability

Less than half the industry turnover rate with 85% full-time division reps.
A handshake icon in an orange box

Strategic Partner Status

Kroger preferred partner across multiple categories with proven ROI delivery.
Culture

A Culture Built on Partnership

We’re proud of our supportive, collaborative culture built on trust and expertise. Our retail specialists enjoy autonomy in their regions, acting as true partners to store teams.

With hybrid schedules, comprehensive benefits, and a genuine care for our associates’ wellbeing, we’ve created an environment where team members thrive.
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values

Our Core Values

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Responsive

Our privately held structure allows us to be nimble and responsive to business demands. We make decisions quickly, invest intentionally, and prioritize our people.

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Knowledgeable

We have deep industry expertise and strong relationships at every level of the organization.

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Focused

We are laser-focused on growing our business and satisfying the needs of our clients.

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Collaborative

We are a trusted, strategic growth partner for the brands we work with alongside Kroger.  We are thought leaders who share our insights with partners and the boards we participate in.

timeline

Growing With Kroger Since 1980

Founded by two families with deep expertise in Korger’s Meat, Seafood, and Grocery departments, Empire has grown from a specialized broker to Kroger’s most trusted strategic partner.

1990

Deli/Bakery team formed to serve clients in Kroger divisions
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1997

Bakery commissary opened to support Kroger manufacturing
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1998

Kroger appointed Empire "Preferred Broker" for Kroger private label
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2006

Implemented Natural and Organic retail coverage team, opened offices in remaining Western Divisions
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2007

Expands to national coverage in grocery, specialty cheese trainers added to support Kroger.
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2013

Implemented Service Seafood retail coverage team
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2015

Appointed Kroger Our Brands Preferred Vendor for all Kroger Divisions

2020

Empire partners with GoSpotCheck for real-time image capture and insights
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Divisions

Leadership That Delivers Results

Decades of industry experience both within Kroger and Consumer Packaged Goods, based across Kroger HQ, Blue Ash, and Newport (KMC)
Doug's Portrait
Doug Davis
Director of Retail Strategy
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Chris Nibert
Director of IT and Facilities
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Roundy's
John Schoshinski
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Utah
Steve Hallsey
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