Sustainability Certification Highlights Hannaford’s Significant CO2 Emissions Reductions and Operational Efficiencies

Ratio Institute recertifies Hannaford for its operational sustainability, demonstrating the company’s leadership in the food retail industry.

Santa Cruz, California, May 17, 2023—Ratio Institute is pleased to announce that Hannaford Supermarkets has completed Ratio Institute’s Sustainable Food Retail Certification. The process revealed substantial emissions reductions and enhanced operational efficiencies for the company, which operates 186 grocery stores in New England and New York.

A key component of the Certification process is sustainability benchmarking at all of a food retailer’s stores. This involves an initial benchmark or assessment of their sustainability performance against a common standard, followed by measuring their progress against the benchmark over time. The aim is to drive the best sustainability practices and align them with corporate initiatives.

Based on data collected throughout the process, Hannaford’s energy efficiency, water efficiency, and cardboard recycling measures have reduced their annual CO2 emissions by nearly 300,000 metric tons. These reductions are equivalent to removing 65,400 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from U.S. roads for a year. They are also comparable to taking a 15-megawatt coal power plant out of service in each of the communities in which Hannaford operates.

In 2014, Hannaford became the first grocery retail chain to enroll in the Grocery Stewardship Certification (the predecessor to the Sustainable Food Retail Certification). Hannaford recertified in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019. Sustainability benchmarking, tracking, and ongoing certification have helped enable the company’s impressive emissions reductions over the last decade.

During the most recent certification, Ratio Institute identified additional specific workplace practices, sustainability measures, and capital improvements to drive further operational efficiencies.

“Hannaford’s ongoing certification work with Ratio Institute has been instrumental in achieving its sustainability goals and reaffirming its community commitment,” said George Parmenter, health and sustainability brand lead for Hannaford Supermarkets. “We appreciate Ratio Institute’s specific, itemized recommendations to enhance sustainability, operational performance, and community stewardship. The certification process and Ratio Institute’s expertise enable Hannaford to refine its sustainability strategy and plans over time.”

“Hannaford has been improving store operations through sustainable practices since 2014,” said Peter Cooke, Co-Founder of Ratio Institute. “The company is a sustainability leader in the food retail industry because of its systematic, consistent approach to the Sustainable Food Retail Certification at all of its stores across five states.”

Hannaford Supermarkets is an industry leader in sustainability. This legacy dates back to the mid-1980s when Hannaford became the first grocery retailer in the nation to introduce reusable bags to its customers. Hannaford diverts or donates all food at risk of going to waste – sending no food to landfills. In 2022, Hannaford donated 25 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations and prevented 65 million pounds of food waste from reaching landfills.

About Ratio Institute

Ratio Institute is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating measurable sustainability and viability in food retail through expert collaboration, industry resources, and practical tools. We work with food retailers, trade organizations, and other partners to create enterprise-level sustainability solutions that reduce costs, optimize internal practices, and improve overall performance. Learn more at ratioinstitute.org.

About Hannaford Supermarkets

Hannaford Supermarkets operates 186 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Stores are located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. All are committed to offering great fresh food, convenient experiences and everyday low prices. Hannaford also is an active and committed community partner—focusing on fighting hunger, supporting youth development, and helping people live healthier lives. Hannaford is an industry leader in sustainability with a strong commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment. Hannaford diverts or donates all food at risk of going to waste—sending no food to landfills. In 2022, Hannaford donated 25 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations and prevented 65 million pounds of food waste from reaching landfills. Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates and is based in Scarborough, Maine. Additional information can be found at Hannaford.com.

For further information, please contact:

Jonathan Tan, Ratio Institute Co-Founder

Phone: (805) 794-9450

Email: jon.tan@ratioinstitute.org