Kroger Joins Trend of Grocers Competing to Protect Bees and Biodiversity from Toxic Pesticides

Industry reaches tipping point with more than half of the largest U.S. food retailers with policies to reduce pesticides

In a win for biodiversity, the climate, and our health, The Kroger Company (NYSE: KR) is the latest major U.S. grocer to announce commitments aimed at reducing the use of toxic pesticides in its fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain. As one of the nation’s four largest food retailers, with more than 2,700 stores, Kroger’s commitment is expected to positively impact pollinators, soil health, and people in communities across the country.

Since 2018, thirteen major U.S. food retailers representing over $1.4 billion in annual food and beverage sales have established policies aimed at reducing toxic pesticides in their supply chains, signaling a significant shift taking place across the food retail sector. Kroger’s commitment follows in the footsteps of Whole Foods (NASDAQ: AMZN), which announced a pesticide policy in December, 2023, as well as Walmart (NYSE: WMT) and Giant Eagle.

These industry efforts follow a multi-year campaign led by Friends of the Earth and supported by over 100 environmental, public health, farmer, and farmworker organizations across the country. Friends of the Earth’s Bee-Friendly Retailer Scorecard tracks company progress.