Kroger Just Stopped Selling Red Bull ― Here’s Why

The Red Bull section at Kroger may soon look a little different when you walk through the energy drink aisle. The popular cans have disappeared from Kroger stores and gas stations across the country, and this time, it is not because a particular flavor sold out.

Videos by Sporked

So, what happened to the drink that gives you wings? It looks like a disagreement over pricing may be behind the sudden breakup.

Red Bull Is Gone From Kroger Stores

Kroger confirmed to the Cincinnati Enquirer that it has stopped selling Red Bull nationwide. The company removed Red Bull products, coolers, and displays from its stores and fuel centers by August 31st.

The change affects Kroger’s family of stores, including banners such as Fred Meyer, QFC, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, and King Soopers. Kroger operates nearly 2,700 stores across 35 states, so a nationwide removal means a whole lot of missing Red Bull.  

Kroger is still selling other energy drinks, including Monster, Alani Nu, Bloom, Rockstar, and NOS. So the company has not decided to clear out the entire energy drink section. Red Bull is the brand that got the boot.

And shoppers searching for Red Bull on Kroger’s website are getting a message that says Red Bull is currently out of stock while Kroger works with its suppliers “to keep prices affordable.”

The Problem Appears To Be About Price

Kroger has not officially said, “Red Bull is gone because of a pricing dispute.” The company has declined to publicly explain exactly why Red Bull was removed. Red Bull also had not responded to multiple requests for comment from USA TODAY and The Cincinnati Enquirer as of the latest reports.  

There is, however, plenty of evidence pointing toward a disagreement over pricing.

A Kroger employee told Cincinnati TV station WCPO that Kroger and Red Bull were in a dispute and that no new shipments were expected at the time. WCPO also reported that shoppers were seeing the “keep prices affordable” message in stores.

Kroger’s new CEO, Greg Foran, has been talking openly about the company’s plans to push back against supplier price increases. During a September 11th earnings call, Foran said Kroger would not simply accept suppliers raising prices without justification while shoppers were already feeling financial pressure.  

Will Red Bull Come Back To Kroger?

Kroger has not announced a date for Red Bull’s return. Red Bull has also not announced a new deal with the retailer.

For now, shoppers who normally pick up a four-pack during a Kroger run will have to find Red Bull somewhere else.

The interesting thing is that this could all change with one new agreement. If Kroger and Red Bull settle their differences, those blue-and-silver cans could eventually make their way back onto the shelves. Until then, Kroger shoppers have plenty of other energy drinks to choose from.