Hannaford acquires independent grocer Tradewinds Marketplace in Blue Hill, Maine

Hannaford Supermarkets has acquired independent grocer Tradewinds Marketplace in Blue Hill, Maine, the grocery retailer announced this week. The Scarborough, Maine-based Hannaford plans to operate the store under its banner beginning in May, marking its 186th store following the acquisition.

Hannaford acquired the Tradewinds Marketplace following the retirement of Chuck and Belinda Lawrence, owners of Tradewinds Marketplace for more than 20 years.

While formerly independently owned and operated, Tradewinds Marketplace is supplied and supported by Hannaford, and both Chuck and Belinda worked at Hannaford prior to owning the Blue Hill grocery store.

 “A lot of the values we have, we got from Hannaford. As we considered retirement, it became evident that there was really only one successor that would maintain the same great service and provide the products our customers have enjoyed since we opened,” Chuck Lawrence said in a statement. “We have been fortunate to have a great staff and many long-term associates. We would like to thank our current and previous associates for being an important part of the Tradewinds family.”

The Lawrences will continue to support the community through the Lawrence Family Foundation and the Lawrence Family Fitness Center, Hannaford said in a statement.

“I am grateful for the support of the Blue Hill Peninsula over the past 23 years, and I have truly enjoyed the personal interaction that I have been able to experience with our customers,” Belinda Lawrence said in a statement. “We hope you will join us in welcoming Hannaford to our town.”

Under the Hannaford banner, the Blue Hill store will offer Hannaford’s store-brand offerings such as Taste of Inspirations, Hannaford and Nature’s Promise and My Hannaford Rewards.

“We’ve long been committed to bringing the Blue Hill community the high-quality, fresh products and exceptional service that are synonymous with Hannaford,” said Hannaford Supermarkets VP of retail operations Todd Bullen in a statement. “We look forward to further deepening our ties with the Blue Hill community as we officially welcome the store to the Hannaford banner.”

Ahold Delhaize, the parent of Hannaford, last month reported U.S. same-store sales (excluding gas) increased by 9.3% in the company's fourth fiscal quarter of 2022. Hannaford alongside Ahold Delhaize’s banner Food Lion continued to lead brand performance with double-digit comparable sales growth for the quarter.

Last year Hannaford unveiled plans to be fully powered by renewable energy by 2024—a commitment that is part of the Northeast supermarket’s sustainability strategy.

"Doing what’s right for our business includes doing what’s right for our associates, community and our planet. Powering Hannaford with 100% renewable energy sources will make an immediate, positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions," said Mike Vail, president of Hannaford Supermarkets, in a statement. "This is an important leap forward in our sustainability journey—and one that we hope sparks others to join. Prioritizing the health of our communities and the planet is a win for us all."

Hannaford Supermarkets was founded in Portland, Maine, in 1883 and now operates stores in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.