Red Thread PR Named PR Agency of Record for Hannaford Supermarkets

PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 8, 2025 – Red Thread PR (RTPR), an independent public relations agency known for its strategic communications expertise, has been named the PR Agency of Record for Hannaford Supermarkets, an Ahold Delhaize brand. This partnership marks a significant milestone as RTPR works to enhance Hannaford’s brand presence and community engagement throughout the New England and greater Northeast regions.

RTPR will lead Hannaford’s public relations efforts, including media relations, reputation management and community engagement initiatives. With a proven track record in retail and food industry communications, RTPR is well-positioned to amplify Hannaford’s commitment to fresh, local, and sustainable food offerings while strengthening its relationships with customers and key stakeholders – particularly given the agency’s experience working with other Ahold Delhaize brands including The Giant Company.

“From our first touchpoint, it was evident that Hannaford sought not only a PR expert, but a thought partner; this notion solidified our enthusiasm for the opportunity and allowed us to focus on their desired business outcomes, not just communication outputs,” said Laura Emanuel, Managing Director of Red Thread PR. “We are continuously inspired by Hannaford’s legacy, sustainable practices, and deep community roots and embrace our responsibility to harness the tension between their heritage and the modern experience they deliver today.”

For more than 140 years, Hannaford Supermarkets has been a leader in grocery retail, delivering fresh, high-quality foods at everyday low prices, convenient services and outstanding customer service while fostering strong community connections. The partnership with RTPR will help drive its mission forward with a fresh, strategic approach to storytelling and media engagement.

“Hannaford is committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our customers and deepening our impact in the communities we serve,” said Ericka Dodge Katz, Director of External Communications and Community Impact, Hannaford Supermarkets. “Red Thread PR’s proven abilities to craft compelling narratives, scale PR campaigns and integrate with other agencies for maximum impact make them an ideal partner as we continue to evolve our brand. We see Red Thread PR as our red thread, intrinsically understanding our business from the start, conceptualizing strategic omnichannel campaigns to move us forward, and sharing the same values as our organization.”

Mercer Island Group facilitated the PR agency search on behalf of Hannaford, leading a comprehensive process that identified creative and strategic alignment and shared values between RTPR and Hannaford. The partnership between Hannaford and RTPR launched in late 2024, focusing first on brand planning initiatives and corporate communications strategies. Most recently, RTPR led media relations activity for Hannaford’s donation of $1.3 million to various non-profits across its footprint that focus on child wellness.

The team who pitched this business and now manages the daily execution includes Madison Frankel, Katie Sciascia, Linda Rosenblum, Alyssa Bauer and Dylan Kuhn. RTPR will join Hannaford’s newly formed integrated agency team which includes Havas Media Network and The Variable. The three agencies will collaborate on bringing Hannaford’s brand story to life in the marketplace.

About Red Thread PR

Red Thread PR is an independent public relations specialty agency based in Philadelphia. Bringing an integrated, multi-channel mindset to brands, Red Thread PR weaves meaningful stories across the PESO model, with expertise across corporate communications, media and influencer relations, partnerships, social media, internal communications, reputation management and social impact. We build unstoppable brands by helping clients navigate the changing tides of culture and business with a focus on Brand Longevity™, and have worked with a range of companies including Comcast Xfinity, DuPont™ Sorona®, TruGreen, ACI Worldwide, NJM Insurance Group, and Saint-Gobain North America. We are part of Brownstein Group’s network of agencies, alongside Brownstein, Nucleus Digital and Poster Child.

About Hannaford Supermarkets

Hannaford Supermarkets operates 189 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 2023, Hannaford donated 26 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations. Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates and is based in Scarborough, Maine. Additional information can be found at Hannaford.com.