Hannaford brings back seasonal in-store farm stands

Hannaford, a New England supermarket chain, has reintroduced seasonal in-store farm stands featuring fresh produce sourced from local farmers, the company announced on Wednesday. Working with over 125 farmers and growers, Hannaford aims to highlight locally grown foods in its stores. These seasonal stands, which will be a permanent feature in its stores, will offer items such as carrots, corn, squash, apples, and potatoes.

The effort to showcase locally grown produce aligns with Hannaford's commitment to help shoppers access healthy foods while supporting local growers. Norm Daigle, Hannaford's vice president of category management, emphasized the importance of building lasting partnerships with farms across the Northeast to help growers expand their reach and connect customers with fresh, seasonal foods.

Hannaford's dedication to this cause was further demonstrated in late August when the company donated $500,000 to the Northeast Farmers Fund. This fund, part of the Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment, provides financial and technical assistance to farmers in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont to help them grow and sell foods produced using regenerative agricultural practices.

The decision to bring back seasonal farm stands comes as traditional supermarket operators explore ways to gain a competitive edge through their fresh assortments. Food retailers have reportedly lost significant produce sales due to their failure to build interest among shoppers in fresh fruits and vegetables. According to a Circana report, produce sales could increase by an annual rate of about 2% in 2026 if the grocery industry took more aggressive steps to promote the category.

The renewed focus on local produce was also driven by the cyclospora outbreak in the summer, which heightened consumer interest in buying local and knowing the source of their food. Hannaford, owned by Ahold Delhaize USA and operating 188 supermarkets across Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire, aims to capitalize on this trend through its seasonal in-store farm stands.