KROGER SCORES WITH SPORTS FOOD PROMOTION

INDIANAPOLIS -- Kroger Co. -- in its marketing area here -- spotlighted deli party trays in a full-page ad designed to score sales during this year's March Madness season.

al to 20 Cents Each." The numerals, 3 inches tall, are superimposed on a picture of a basketball.

The ad, however, explains that the items are sold only in the quantities listed. For example, it says that, in the deli, original or hot and spicy drummettes are sold in these quantities: 20-piece, $4 a package; 40-piece, $8; 60-piece, $12; 80-piece, $16; and 100-piece, $20.

A "Shrimp Server Combo," which includes cocktail sauce with 100 shrimp, is featured for $19.99, and the ad points out that that is $13 off the regular price.

Across the middle of the page, "Deli Party Trays," is printed in type that looks three-dimensional.

Color photos of a piled-high drummette tray and the shrimp tray are positioned at the top of the page in the midst of photos of basketballs. Other trays shown include a Super Sub Sandwich Tray, serving seven to eight people, for $23.95; a small size, spreadable party tray, serving 16 to 20, for $18.95; and a "La Vosh" tray, serving five to six, for $12. Fried chicken tenders, shown on a garnished plate, are advertised for $4.49 a pound. A blurb above the plate says the tenders are made fresh in the deli. Alongside is a photo of a fresh vegetable tray with a container of ranch dip in the middle. It's a four-pounder for $14.99, available in the produce department.