Answering Key Questions

Any vendor who would like to participate in the Supplier Diversity Program with The Kroger Co. should consider the following key questions about your product or service. Answers to these questions will be an important part of introducing your company to key Kroger decision makers.

General Questions (All Vendors)

• Is the company certified as an MBE (minority-owned business enterprise) or WBE (women-owned business enterprise) by a third-party source, i.e. National Minority Supplier Development Council; Women's Business Enterprise Council; municipal or state office; local or regional chamber of commerce?
• How many years has the company been in business?
• Will you provide a list of major clients and/or other references?
• What is the company's geographic service area and capability: national, regional or local?

Key Questions for Retail Sales Product Vendors

• Who is the customer for your product?
• What is the sales history of your product; where is it sold today?
• What is your marketing plan for introducing your product, as well as advertising and promoting it after introduction?
• Do you have UPC codes, ingredient labels and a code dating system in place?
• What commercial facility is used to manufacture your product?
• What is your production capability (units per week, month, etc.)?
• What type of delivery system is utilized?
• How is your product shipped and stored: frozen, fresh or is it shelf stable?
• How much liability insurance do you carry?

Key Questions for Service Vendors

• What are the advantages and benefits to Kroger in using your service over a competitor’s similar service?
• How will your service add speed, accuracy, and/or quality to Kroger’s operations?
• How will your service allow Kroger to reduce its costs?

Key Questions for Vendors of Not for Resale Products

• What are the advantages and benefits to Kroger in using your not for resale product over a competitor's similar product?
• How will your not for resale product allow Kroger to reduce its costs?
• How will your not for resale product add speed, accuracy, and/or quality to Kroger's operations?
• What commercial facility is used to produce your product?
• What is your production capacity?
• What is the required lead-time for delivery once an order is placed?
• What is the delivery method used?
• How much liability insurance do you carry?

Printable Supplier Diversity Program Brochure
Printable Supplier Diversity Program Form

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Completed Supplier Diversity Program Forms should be sent to:
Ms. Denise Thomas
Director, Corporate Supplier Diversity - The Kroger Co.
1014 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202-1100.