Kroger Runs for the Roses at the Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Kroger Co (NYSE: KR) will run for the roses this weekend as it celebrates the Kentucky Derby. For the 23rd year, Kroger's master floral designers will craft the "Garland of Roses" bestowed upon the winning thoroughbred.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100428/CL95025 )

"As the world's largest florist, Kroger floral designers are in the business of helping customers celebrate with flowers. Whether we're creating small bouquets for Mother's Day or large displays for the Kentucky Derby, we're always honored to have a part in making our customers' celebrations beautiful," said Carol Belser, Kroger master florist.  "Those customers who want to celebrate the running of the Kentucky Derby with red roses of their own can call 1-800-900-6575 or visit www.Kroger.com."

It will take nearly one dozen master florists approximately seven hours to create the "Garland of Roses," which will measure 122 inches long by 22 inches wide, weigh approximately 40 pounds, and contain more than 400 roses. To complete the design, a crown of roses, greenery and ribbons that represent each thoroughbred running in the Derby race will be placed at the very center of the garland.

The garland is made entirely of "Freedom" roses, a variety that was selected for its rich red color, bloom size, stem length and foliage. Dozens of floral employees are already at work sorting through thousands of roses to select only the very best for presentation.

In addition to the "Garland of Roses", Kroger floral designers will create the "Jockey's Bouquet" – an impressive bouquet of 60 long-stemmed red roses – and the urns that decorate the Winner's Circle and red carpet celebrity entrance.

The "Garland of Roses" has been a tradition of the Kentucky Derby since 1932, when the first garland was commissioned by Samuel Culberston, then an official at Churchill Downs. Prior to that time, a horseshoe-shaped wreath of roses was presented to the Derby winner.  

As the world's largest florist, Kroger and its family of stores – Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's – is committed to providing customers with flowers fresh from the grower, for occasions large and small. The company reminds its customers that Mother's Day, May 9, is quickly approaching. The company has a variety of specially-themed Mother's Day bouquets available in stores nationwide, online at www.kroger.com, and by phone at 1-800-900-6575.

Kroger, the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 334,000 associates who serve customers in 2,468 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's.  The Company also operates 777 convenience stores, 374 fine jewelry stores, 893 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S.  Kroger, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local organizations in the communities it serves.  For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.