Hannaford Supermarkets partners with Gulf of Maine Research Institute to assess climate vulnerability of its stores

Portland, Maine (August 4, 2026) – Hannaford Supermarkets is partnering with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) to conduct climate vulnerability assessments at its stores in the Greater Portland area as part of a first-of-its-kind collaboration that reflects the grocery retailer’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, operational resilience and serving communities for future generations.

Through assessments at Hannaford’s stores on Forest Avenue in Portland and Cottage Road in South Portland, GMRI will work to evaluate how climate-related hazards, including extreme weather events, flooding and other environmental risks could affect store operations, infrastructure, employees, customers and the communities it serves. The project will leverage GMRI’s community-based climate vulnerability assessment process, which combines site visits, scientific data analysis and stakeholder engagement to identify risks and inform future adaptation strategies.

Traditionally, GMRI’s climate vulnerability assessments have been conducted for municipalities and coastal communities. Hannaford is the first large Maine business to partner with GMRI in applying this approach directly to retail operations, creating an opportunity to advance business resilience and ensure access to essential services during potential future climate events.

As a company headquartered in Maine and deeply connected to the communities it serves, Hannaford recognizes the importance of proactively addressing climate-related challenges. The assessments will help the company better understand site-specific vulnerabilities and identify opportunities to strengthen preparedness and protect critical infrastructure.

“For more than 140 years, Hannaford has worked to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. As climate-related challenges become more frequent and complex, we have a responsibility to understand how those changes could impact our stores, our associates and our customers,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Senior Vice President of Merchandising Peter Forester. “We’re proud to expand our longtime partnership with GMRI to gain access to leading scientific expertise and help us take a proactive, data-driven approach to resilience planning. This work reflects our deep commitment to being a sustainable business and ensuring our stores remain reliable community resources for generations to come.”

GMRI’s climate vulnerability assessment framework helps organizations understand how climate hazards may affect critical assets, infrastructure, and populations. The process examines exposure to climate-related risks, evaluates potential impacts, and provides science-based recommendations that support informed decision-making and adaptation planning. The GMRI Business Climate Action, Coastal Dynamics, and Community Climate Action teams will be leading the effort around creating the assessment.

"When people think about climate resilience and sustainability, the focus is often on protecting physical infrastructure and community safety. What's sometimes overlooked is that these actions also make good business sense and help ensure that businesses like Hannaford can continue providing essential goods, like food and medicine, to the thousands of community members who depend on them daily," said Jared Wildwistle, GMRI's Business Climate Action Program Manager. "We're excited to deepen our ongoing partnership with Hannaford through this assessment."

Hannaford is an industry leader in environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. For decades, the grocery retailer has worked to reduce its environmental footprint through energy efficiency initiatives, food waste reduction programs, sustainable sourcing efforts and investments that support healthier communities and a more resilient future.

For more information about Hannaford’s sustainability initiatives and community commitments, visit Hannaford.com/Sustainability.

About Hannaford Supermarkets

Hannaford Supermarkets is a leading regional grocer operating 188 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Since 1883, Hannaford has been dedicated to delivering fresh, high-quality food with care, while creating “more good” in its communities. Guided by its purpose to cultivate thriving communities, Hannaford continues to build on its commitment to uncommon care by supporting local community partners, being the most welcoming place to work and shop, and taking thoughtful steps to protect the planet for future generations. In 2025, Hannaford donated nearly 29 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations and supported approximately 145 community partners across its footprint, helping expand access to fresh food, advance youth development, and support healthier lives. Headquartered in Scarborough, Maine, with stores in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont, Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates. Additional information can be found at Hannaford.com.

About Gulf of Maine Research Institute

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. Located in Portland, ME, the institute is dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. For more information, visit www.gmri.org.