Kroger Picks IRI as Preferred Partner

The Kroger Co. has entered into a long-term agreement with Chicago-based data provider IRI to be the retailer's preferred partner for market measurement services.

This alliance is expected to further enhance Cincinnati-based Kroger's Customer 1st market strategy and strengthen the information solutions and services offered by both companies. 

'Forefront of a Shifting Landscape'

“In everything we do and every decision we make, we put our customers first. Our partnership with IRI is another step in this direction,” said Mike Donnelly, Kroger’s EVP of merchandising. “We believe IRI has the best tools and technology to allow both Kroger and our suppliers to share a comprehensive view of industry-wide product-movement data, which will lead to better insights and help us create even better experiences for every customer."  

Market measurement services provide Kroger and its supplier partners a common view of their business performance compared to the rest of the market. IRI's Liquid Data technology platform and product movement and causal data – which includes weather, gas and macroeconomic factors – will help both Kroger and its suppliers collaborate more easily and make better decisions to benefit customers. 

“IRI and Kroger are at the forefront of the shifting landscape by providing better market measurement data and industry-leading technology to create highly personalized consumer marketing to drive growth,” said Andrew Appel, IRI's president and CEO.

IRI works closely with a broad range of industry leaders to create innovative joint solutions, services and access to capabilities to help its clients more effectively compete in their various markets and exceed their growth objectives.

Kroger operates 2,778 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia.