Food Lion News

11/11/2009

Food Lion Aims to Raise 1.2 Million Pounds of Food for Feeding America Agencies

SALISBURY, N.C. — On Nov. 11, Food Lion LLC kicks off its seventh annual “Hunger Has a Cure” campaign to support local food banks affiliated with Feeding America. The campaign, which allows customers to purchase ready-made food boxes or donate food in bins, runs through Dec. 30.

“We believe that, as a grocer, we are responsible for doing what we can to help our neighbors who are struggling to feed their families,” said Kyna Foster, director of Community Affairs at Food Lion LLC. “The need for food assistance is at an all-time high and we are proud to work with Feeding America to help eliminate hunger in our communities.”

The ready-made food boxes contain eight items, enough to create four different family meals and are available at Food Lion, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s stores for $4.99 each. All stores will have a designated food-collection area, where customers can place the food boxes or other non-perishable items.

In addition, stores throughout the company are planning special events and contributions to the campaign.

Through efforts such as this annual campaign, as well as year-round food donations, Food Lion annually donates approximately 21 million pounds of food, valued at more than $35 million, to Feeding America.

“We have a long-standing partnership with Feeding America,” added Foster. “Since 2000, we have donated more than 200 million pounds of food to Feeding America and its affiliated food banks.” For more than 50 years, Food Lion LLC has served as a caring neighbor and strong corporate citizen in the communities in which it operates. Through corporate and foundation giving, campaigns carried out by its more than 1,300 stores, local programs and individual associate involvement, Food Lion LLC supports communities and numerous nonprofit organizations. In 2008, Food Lion LLC donated more than 21 million pounds of food and gave more than $5.2 million through foundation and community giving.

Food Lion LLC is a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). Food Lion LLC operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. Food Lion LLC employs approximately 74,000 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Contact: Christy Phillips-Brown (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2221 or Jennifer Speck (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2118

11/3/2009

Grand Opening Festivities on Wednesday, Nov. 4; Includes Product Giveaways, Shopping Spree and Gift Card Sweepstakes

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion will unveil its new store in Mercersburg, Pa., located at 431 Loudon Road, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 8 a.m. The first 200 customers to visit the store will receive a reusable bag filled with private label products, while the first 1,000 customers at the store will receive a Food Lion reusable bag.

Sen. Rich Alloway, Mayor Jim Zeger and Mary-Anne Gordon, the president of the Mercersburg Chamber of Commerce, are scheduled to attend the ribbon-cutting.

The store will open to the public following the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8 a.m., and will begin typical operating hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5. Customers visiting the store on Wednesday will be able to register for a grocery giveaway with a grand prize of $250 in Food Lion gift cards.

“We look forward to introducing Food Lion to the Mercersburg community,” said John Garlick, director of operations for the market. “We are committed to delivering quality products at great prices to our customers.”

Andy Garnes, a native of Mercersburg, will be the store manager of the 17,000 square-foot facility. He joined Food Lion in October 2009 and has 13 years of retail experience with Jane’s Market.

“We are eager to bring Food Lion to Mercersburg and look forward to providing an outstanding shopping experience to our new customers,” said Garnes. “We’re committed to being Mercersburg’s neighborhood grocery store and an active member of the community.”

The store will have approximately 45 associates and will feature a large fresh produce department and a deli/bakery with in-store decorated cakes, specialty meats, cheeses and breads, as well as a large meat department featuring Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef ®, fresh pork, poultry and seafood. The new store also offers Western Union services, Rug Doctor rentals, Blue Rhino propane exchange, ATM, Coinstar, and lottery.

Food Lion strives to be a caring neighbor and good corporate citizen in the communities it serves and directs its corporate giving efforts toward feeding the hungry, children’s health and education, including campaigns for Hunger Has a Cure, Children’s Miracle Network, Easter Seals and United Way. Additionally, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for nonprofit programs and organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry in the communities it serves.

Food Lion customers can find their store’s specials on fresh produce, Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef®, other fresh meats, natural products, wines, and more items throughout the store by visiting www.FoodLion.com and clicking on weekly specials.

Food Lion LLC is a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). Food Lion LLC operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. Food Lion LLC employs approximately 74,000 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Contact: Jennifer Speck (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2118

11/2/2009

Company Receives Honorable Mention for The Diversity Forum's Trailblazer Honors

SALISBURY, N.C. - Eric Watson, vice president of Talent Acquisition and The Office of Diversity & Inclusion at Food Lion LLC, earned top honors, garnering The Diversity Forum’s first-ever Diversity Champion Award at the organization’s recent Networking Breakfast at the Marriott SouthPark.

The Diversity Champion Award recognizes an individual who exhibits outstanding community leadership and advances Charlotte’s effort to promote employment diversity.

“Eric Watson is undoubtedly one of the strongest leaders representing the voyage of diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” said Michelle Fish, founder of The Diversity Forum & CEO of Bankston Partners & Integra Staffing. “The contributions he made to Food Lion LLC, to the abundant national and local partner organizations, and to our society as a whole over the past 16 years are undeniable. A better Diversity Champion Award winner could not have been chosen, and it was our distinct pleasure to award Eric for all of his tremendous work!”

Watson joined Food Lion LLC in 2003, bringing 23 years of experience in operations management, with more than 16 in the field of diversity. Watson has developed strategies to impact business success by creating a vision to manage diversity, designing leadership mentoring programs to promote diversity and establishing an accountability system for business diversity.

In addition to Watson’s award, Food Lion LLC received an honorable mention for The Diversity Forum’s Trailblazer Award, which is presented to a company that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and success in the recruitment, hiring and retention of a diverse workforce.

Watson accepted the Trailblazer award on behalf of the company.

About Food Lion LLC
Food Lion LLC is a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). Food Lion LLC operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. Food Lion LLC employs approximately 74,000 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

About The Diversity Forum
The Diversity Forum is a nonprofit organization committed to connecting business leaders, educating the community, and finding tactical solutions on how diversity and inclusion can spur business innovation and create sustainable growth. The organization hosts networking/speaking events, workshops, and webinars on a number of topics. www.TheDiversityForum.com

Contact: Christy Phillips-Brown (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2221 or Kimberly Blackburn (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2858

10/16/2009

Food Lion LLC Signs Exclusive Arrangement to Introduce Holly Farms Premium Chicken at a Great Price

Wilkesboro and Salisbury, N.C. – Sept. 28, 2009 – After being absent from retail grocery stores in the southeast for more than 10 years, one of the most well-respected national brands of fresh chicken is making a comeback. Today, Tyson Foods, Inc. and Food Lion LLC announced an arrangement to reintroduce Holly Farms® fresh chicken at more than 1,200 Food Lion, Bloom and Bottom Dollar Food grocery stores throughout the eastern United States.

Food Lion has a unique opportunity to reintroduce one of the most well-respected brands of fresh chicken at our stores,” said Hans Lefebvre, vice president of meat and seafood merchandising at Food Lion LLC. “In an economy where consumers are always searching for premium products at great prices, we are able to provide both to our customers through this arrangement. This is a fantastic opportunity to provide a unique product offering exclusive to our customers, while delivering on our commitment of quality products at great prices. The Holly Farms brand has a strong heritage in many markets in which we operate as a provider of quality, premium fresh chicken at a great price. The reintroduction of this brand enables us to provide a differentiated product to our customers at or below current store brand fresh chicken prices.”

Consumers will begin seeing packages of Holly Farms fresh chicken in stores this week. As part of the arrangement, Food Lion LLC will replace all store brand fresh chicken with Holly Farms premium brand chicken at Food Lion, Bloom and Bottom Dollar Food stores.

“We’re excited about working with Food Lion LLC to offer Holly Farms-branded chicken to consumers again,” said Tim Price, vice president of business development for Tyson Foods’ retail fresh poultry business. “We plan to produce a wide variety of tray-packed chicken products with the same freshness, safety and quality people have historically expected from products bearing the Holly Farms name.”

The Holly Farms poultry company was founded in Wilkesboro, N.C., in 1958 and over the years built a reputation for high-quality, fresh, tray-packed chicken. The company and its operations were bought by Tyson Foods in 1989. By the late 1990s, Holly Farms was phased out as a national brand. The reintroduced line of chicken will primarily be produced at the same Wilkesboro poultry complex where Holly Farms began. In addition, plant locations in Monroe, N.C.; Temperanceville, Va., and Shelbyville, Tenn., will also be involved in the production of this product.

“We believe this initiative will help ensure continued economic stability for our plant,” said Mark Welborn, manager of Tyson’s Wilkesboro Complex. “In fact, we expect it will actually lead to an incremental increase in the volume of fresh chicken we produce in Wilkesboro.”

About Food Lion LLC

Food Lion LLC is a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). Food Lion LLC operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. Food Lion LLC employs approximately 74,000 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Contact: Christy Phillips-Brown (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2221 cphillips-brown@foodlion.com
Gary Mickelson, Tyson Foods, (479) 290-6111 gary.mickelson@tyson.com

10/13/2009

Grand Opening Festivities on Wednesday, Oct. 14; First 1,000 Customers to Receive Free Private Label Cola

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion will unveil its new store in Jonesboro, Ga., located at 8777 Tara Blvd., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 8 a.m. The first 1,000 customers to enter the store will receive a free 12-pack of Food Lion cola.

Local dignitaries, including members of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as representatives from Mundy’s Mill High School are scheduled to attend the ribbon-cutting event.

The store will open to the public following the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8 a.m., and will begin typical operating hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. Customers visiting the store on Wednesday will be able to register for a shopping spree in which the winner will have 104 seconds to complete a trip around the store.

“We are appreciative of the support that this community has shown us as we continue our growth in the North Georgia market,” said Rob Goins, district manager for the region. “We look forward to serving our customers, as well as the Jonesboro community.”

Joe Seigler, a native of Stockbridge, Ga., will be the manager of the 41,500 square-foot facility. He joined Food Lion in December 2008 as a store manager and has 35 years of grocery retail experience.

“We are dedicated to providing an outstanding shopping experience to our customers,” said Seigler. “Food Lion is committed to offering quality products at great prices and serving as a pillar in the community.”

The store will have approximately 70 associates, with 60 positions created for the new store, and will feature large fresh produce department and a deli/bakery with in-store decorated cakes, specialty meats, cheeses and breads, as well as a large meat department featuring Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef ®, fresh pork, poultry and seafood. The new store also offers pharmacy services, Western Union services, Rug Doctor rentals, Blue Rhino propane exchange, ATM, Coinstar and lottery.

Food Lion strives to be a caring neighbor and good corporate citizen in the communities it serves and directs its corporate giving efforts toward feeding the hungry, children’s health and education, including campaigns for Hunger Has a Cure, Children’s Miracle Network, Easter Seals and United Way. Additionally, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for nonprofit programs and organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry in the communities it serves.

Food Lion customers can find their store’s specials on fresh produce, Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef®, other fresh meats, natural products, wines, and more items throughout the store by visiting www.FoodLion.com and clicking on weekly specials.

Food Lion LLC is a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). Food Lion LLC operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. Food Lion LLC employs approximately 74,000 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Contact: Jennifer Speck (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2118

10/13/2009

Grand Opening Festivities on Wednesday, Oct. 14; First 200 Customers to Receive Free Reusable Grocery Bag Filled with Private Brand Products

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion will unveil its new store in Savannah, Ga., located at 2208 East Derenne Ave., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 8 a.m. The first 200 customers to enter the store will receive a free reusable grocery bag filled with private label products.

Several local dignitaries, as well as the Jenkin’s High School band and members of the Coastal Cathedral Church and Calvary Day School are scheduled to attend the ribbon-cutting event.

The store will open to the public following the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8 a.m., and will begin typical operating hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. Customers visiting the store on Wednesday will be able to register for a shopping spree in which the winner will have 101 seconds to complete a trip around the store. An additional shopping spree will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, in which customers visiting the store can register for a 105 second spree. Customers will also be able to register for a grocery giveaway with a grand prize of $250 in Food Lion gift cards.

“Food Lion continues to grow in the Savannah market and we look forward to serving our customers and the community with our new location,” said Tony Skipper, director of Operations for the market. “We are committed to delivering quality products and great value at everyday low prices.”

Candy Munn, a native of Savannah, will be the store manager of the 35,000 square-foot facility. She joined Food Lion in 1982, serving in a number of roles including cashier, customer service manager, produce manager and assistant manager.

“Our customers are important to us and we are dedicated to providing them with an outstanding shopping experience,” said Munn. “We also look forward to partnering with local organizations and becoming an active neighbor in the community.”

The store will have approximately 53 associates, with 35 positions created for the new store, and will feature a large fresh produce department and a deli/bakery with in-store decorated cakes, specialty meats, cheeses and breads, as well as a large meat department featuring Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef ®, fresh pork, poultry and seafood. The new store also offers Western Union services, Rug Doctor rentals, Blue Rhino propane exchange, ATM, Coinstar, lottery and Red Box DVD rentals.

Food Lion strives to be a caring neighbor and good corporate citizen in the communities it serves and directs its corporate giving efforts toward feeding the hungry, children’s health and education, including campaigns for Hunger Has a Cure, Children’s Miracle Network, Easter Seals and United Way. Additionally, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for nonprofit programs and organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry in the communities it serves.

Food Lion customers can find their store’s specials on fresh produce, Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef®, other fresh meats, natural products, wines, and more items throughout the store by visiting www.FoodLion.com and clicking on weekly specials.

Food Lion LLC is a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). Food Lion LLC operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. Food Lion LLC employs approximately 74,000 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Contact: Jennifer Speck (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2118

10/13/2009

Grand Opening Festivities on Wednesday, Oct. 14; Includes Product Giveaways, Shopping Spree and Gift Card Sweepstakes

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion will unveil its new store in New Castle, Del., located at 1200 Beaver Brook Plaza, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 8 a.m.

Mayor John F. Klingmeyer and County Executive Chris Coons are scheduled to attend the ribbon-cutting event.

The store will open to the public following the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8 a.m., and will begin typical operating hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. Customers visiting the store on Wednesday will be able to register for a shopping spree in which the winner will have 105 seconds to complete a trip around the store. An additional shopping spree will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, in which customers visiting the store can register for a 100-second spree. Customers will also be able to register for a grocery giveaway with a grand prize of $250 in Food Lion gift cards.

“We look forward to serving our customers and the New Castle community as we continue to grow in the Delaware market,” said Jodi Austin, director of Operations for the market. “We are committed to delivering quality products at great prices to our customers.”

Peter Bryant, a native of Delaware County, Pa., will be the store manager of the 35,000 square-foot facility. He joined Food Lion as a store manager in 2007 and has more than 30 years of retail management experience.

“We look forward to welcoming our customers into our new store and providing a great shopping experience and extraordinary customer service,” said Bryant. “We also intend to become an active neighborhood partner here in New Castle.”

The store will have approximately 61 associates, with all positions created for the new store, and will feature a large fresh produce department and a deli/bakery with in-store decorated cakes, specialty meats, cheeses and breads, as well as a large meat department featuring Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef ®, fresh pork, poultry and seafood. Customers will also enjoy an expanded natural and organic foods section, as well as an expanded ethnic section and an expanded variety of wines. The new store also offers Western Union services, Rug Doctor rentals, Blue Rhino propane exchange, ATM, Coinstar, and lottery.

Food Lion strives to be a caring neighbor and good corporate citizen in the communities it serves and directs its corporate giving efforts toward feeding the hungry, children’s health and education, including campaigns for Hunger Has a Cure, Children’s Miracle Network, Easter Seals and United Way. Additionally, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for nonprofit programs and organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry in the communities it serves.

Food Lion customers can find their store’s specials on fresh produce, Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef®, other fresh meats, natural products, wines, and more items throughout the store by visiting www.FoodLion.com and clicking on weekly specials.

Food Lion LLC is a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). Food Lion LLC operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. Food Lion LLC employs approximately 74,000 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Contact: Jennifer Speck (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2118

10/5/2009

BRUSSELS, Belgium - October 5, 2009 - Delhaize Group (Euronext Brussels: DELB - NYSE: DEG), the Belgian international food retailer, announced today that it has entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent with BI-LO, LLC to acquire a substantial majority of BI-LO's assets, including associated inventory, for a purchase price of USD 425 million in cash. This announcement was made in the context of BI-LO's bankruptcy proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina.

BI-LO is a food retailer that currently operates 214 stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia and employs approximately 15 500 people. The company is headquartered in Mauldin, S.C. On March 23, 2009, BI-LO and certain of its affiliates filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina. The included BI-LO assets are estimated to have realized over USD 2 billion in sales in 2008.

Rick Anicetti, Executive Vice President of Delhaize Group and President and CEO of Food Lion, LLC said: "We at Food Lion, LLC have great admiration for the associates and stores at BI-LO. We believe our markets and service philosophy are complementary and we look forward to continuing our discussions with BI-LO."

The non-binding offer is subject to the satisfactory completion of the customary steps for such an acquisition including certain Bankruptcy Court approvals. Delhaize Group and BI-LO intend to close the transaction shortly after obtaining the entry of a final non-appealable sale order of the bankruptcy court pursuant to Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, authorizing the transfer of the purchased assets to Food Lion. It is the intent of Delhaize Group to integrate the included BI-LO assets in the network of its wholly owned subsidiary Food Lion, LLC. Food Lion, LLC is a food retailer that has more than 1 300 stores in 11 U.S. states and has more than 74 000 associates.

Delhaize Group

Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in six countries on three continents. At the end of the second quarter of 2009, Delhaize Group's sales network consisted of 2 684 stores. In 2008, Delhaize Group posted EUR 19 billion (USD 28 billion) in revenues and EUR 467 million (USD 687 million) in net profit (Group share). At the end of 2008, Delhaize Group employed approximately 141 000 people. Delhaize Group's stock is listed on Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).

This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. You can also find it on the website http://www.delhaizegroup.com. Questions can be sent to investor@delhaizegroup.com.

Contacts

Geert Verellen: + 32 2 412 83 62
Barbera Hoppenbrouwers (media): + 32 2 412 86 69
Christy Phillips-Brown (U.S. media): +1 704 633 8250 (ext.2221)
Amy Shue (U.S. investors): +1 704 633 8250 (ext.2529)


CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this press release and other written and oral statements made from time to time by Delhaize Group and its representatives, other than statements of historical fact, which address activities, events and developments that Delhaize Group expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements about strategic options, future strategies and the anticipated benefits of these strategies, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified as statements that include phrases such as "guidance", "outlook", "projected", "believe", "target", "predict", "estimate", "forecast", "strategy", "may", "goal", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "foresee", "likely", "will", "should" or other similar words or phrases. Although such statements are based on current information, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those projected depending upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, changes in the general economy or the markets of Delhaize Group, in consumer spending, in inflation or currency exchange rates or in legislation or regulation; competitive factors; adverse determination with respect to claims; inability to timely develop, remodel, integrate or convert stores; and supply or quality control problems with vendors. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements are described in Delhaize Group's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings made by Delhaize Group with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference. Delhaize Group disclaims any obligation to update developments of these risk factors or to announce publicly any revision to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this release, or to make corrections to reflect future events or developments.

Contact: Christy Phillips-Brown (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2221

10/1/2009

Contact: Christy Phillips-Brown (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2221
Jennifer Speck (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2118

9/30/2009

Grand Opening Festivities on Wednesday, September 30; First 1,000 Customers to Receive Free Private Label Cola

Contact: Jennifer Speck (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2118 jmspeck@foodlion.com

9/15/2009

Grand Opening Festivities on Wednesday, September 16; First 200 Customers to Receive Reusable Bags Filled with Private Brand Groceries

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion will unveil its new store in Nags Head, N.C., located at 2515 South Croatan Highway, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, September 16 at 8 a.m. The first 200 customers to enter the store will get a free reusable bag filled with private label products, including cereal, pasta, snack crackers and other items.
Mayor Renee Cahoon and members of the town of Nags Head Citizen’s Advisory committee are scheduled to attend the ribbon-cutting event, as well as representative from the local high school. The store will open to the public following the ribbon-cutting.
The store will be open from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily and is an offset of the Food Lion located at 2210 South Croatan Highway, which will close on Tuesday, September 15. All associates from that store will continue employment Food Lion. Customers visiting the store on Wednesday will be able to register for a grand opening grocery giveaway, in which 15 Food Lion gift cards will be given away, totaling $1,200 in free groceries. Customers will also be able to register to win a shopping spree at the store, in which the winner will have 104 seconds to complete a trip around the store.

“We’re excited to continue serving our customers in the Nags Head community with a beautiful new store and great customer service,” said Rick LaCroix, market vice president for Mid-Atlantic Markets. “We are committed to delivering quality products and great value at everyday low prices.”

Ron Petty, a native of Norfolk, Va., will be the manager of the 35,000 square-foot facility. He has five years of retail management experience and joined the company in 2004.
“We are looking forward to continuing to be a trusted, reliable neighborhood grocery store, where customers prefer to shop,” said Petty. “We strive to maintain a rich presence in the community, while building long-lasting relationships with the people of Nags Head.”
The store will have approximately 45 associates, with approximately 10 positions created for the new store, and will feature a large fresh produce department and a deli/bakery with in-store decorated cakes, specialty meats, cheeses and breads, as well as a large meat department featuring Angus Premium beef, fresh pork, poultry and seafood. Customers will also enjoy an expanded natural and organic foods section, as well as an expanded variety of wines. The new store also offers Western Union services, Rug Doctor rentals, Blue Rhino propane exchange, ATM, Coinstar and beach merchandise.

Food Lion strives to be a caring neighbor and good corporate citizen in the communities it serves and directs its corporate giving efforts toward feeding the hungry, children’s health and education, including campaigns for Hunger Has a Cure, Children’s Miracle Network, Easter Seals and United Way. Additionally, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for nonprofit programs and organizations dedicated to improving the communities in which Food Lion operates.

Food Lion customers can find their store’s specials on fresh produce, Angus Premium beef, other fresh meats, natural products, wines, and more items throughout the store by visiting www.FoodLion.com and clicking on weekly specials.

Food Lion LLC is a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). Food Lion LLC operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. Food Lion LLC employs approximately 74,000 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Contact: Jennifer Speck 704-633-8250 ext. 2118 jmspeck@foodlion.com

8/26/2009

Food Lion is One of the First Supermarkets to Introduce GreenChill Program

SALISBURY, N.C. – Food Lion LLC received the Distinguished Partner Award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday, August 18 during an awards ceremony at the Food Marketing Institute’s Sustainability Summit in San Francisco. Food Lion was recognized for its commitment to deploying Advanced Refrigeration technology at new stores in its 11-state footprint.

The GreenChill Partnership is an EPA cooperative alliance with the supermarket industry to promote the reduction of ozone-depleting and greenhouse gas refrigerant emissions. Food Lion was one of the first grocers to voluntarily commit to the EPA’s GreenChill advanced refrigeration partnership, an initiative where companies pledge to go above and beyond regulatory requirements in protecting the ozone layer and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a GreenChill partner, Food Lion has committed to ensuring all new and remodeled stores will be ozone-friendly and establishing an emissions inventory, which will be used to set emissions reduction targets; and assessing the performance of advanced technologies in its stores through industry and government research initiatives.

In addition to Food Lion’s GreenChill partnership, the company has furthered its commitment by incorporating advanced refrigeration systems at certain stores. Today, three Food Lion stores have incorporated new technology at its stores which incorporate ozone-friendly product refrigeration systems, which reduce by more then 60 percent the amount of refrigerants needed to keep products cool or frozen. In addition, Food Lion is currently deploying this technology at two stores under construction in Georgia and South Carolina.

“We are honored to receive this award,” said Susan Sollenberger, director of Energy, Maintenance and Equipment Purchasing at Food Lion LLC. “Food Lion has served as a founding member of the EPA’s GreenChill Partnership since November 2007. This has been an extremely rewarding relationship. Food Lion has made great strides in deploying more environmentally friendly technologies, such as environmentally friendly refrigerants. Practicing energy conservation and taking steps toward protecting and preserving the environment is a foundational element to our company, and we will continue to further our efforts in this area.”

Keilly Witman, from the EPA, presented the award to Food Lion during a lunch presentation. Wayne Rosa, Energy & Maintenance manager, accepted the award on behalf of Food Lion.

"Food Lion was a strong supporter of GreenChill's mission right from the beginning," said Witman. "They pioneered technologies that have since become widespread in the industry. Whether it is case studies on new refrigerants or statistics from sub-metering on refrigeration systems that use advanced technologies, Food Lion is always ready to share information so others can benefit from their experience."

In addition to serving as an EPA GreenChill partner, Food Lion was one of EPA’s first ENERGY STAR partners and has 916 certified stores, which is more than half of the ENERGY STAR certified stores in the United States. In addition, Food Lion is the only grocery chain to win eight consecutive EPA ENERGY STAR awards.

“Through our environmental and energy-saving initiatives, the company can make an immediate and positive impact in local communities by making our stores more environmentally friendly,” added Sollenberger. “We are a leader in energy reduction initiatives and environmental stewardship. For nearly a decade, Food Lion has been dedicated to numerous sustainability initiatives, such as energy conservation and reducing carbon dioxide emissions throughout our footprint. We have reduced our energy consumption by more than 27 percent since 2000.”

About Food Lion LLC Food Lion LLC is a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). Food Lion LLC operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. Food Lion LLC employs approximately 74,000 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Contact: Christy Phillips-Brown (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2221

8/26/2009

Grand Opening Festivities on Wednesday, August 26

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion will unveil its new store in Claymont, Del., located at 3609 Philadelphia Pike, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 26 at 8 a.m. The first 500 customers to the store will receive a free loaf of Sara Lee bread. Local officials are scheduled to attend the ribbon-cutting event.

The store will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Customers visiting the store on Wednesday can register for a shopping spree in which the winner will have 105 seconds to complete a trip around the store. A similar shopping spree will also take place on Saturday, August 29.

“We’re excited to bring Food Lion to Claymont,” said JJ Fleeman, market vice president for Northeastern markets. “We look forward to becoming not only the neighborhood grocery store, but an active member of the Claymont community.”

Ray Gates, a native of Hamburg, N.Y., will be the manager of the 27,000 square-foot facility. He has 13 years of retail management experience and joined the company in February 2007.

“We are looking forward to creating a great shopping experience for the Claymont community,” said Gates. “We are committed to delivering great value and quality products at everyday low prices to our customers.”

The store will have approximately 70 associates, with 60 positions created for the new store, and will feature a large fresh produce department and a deli/bakery with in-store decorated cakes, specialty meats, cheeses and breads, as well as a large meat department featuring Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef ®, fresh pork, poultry and seafood. The new store also offers Western Union services, Rug Doctor rentals, Blue Rhino propane exchange, ATM and Coinstar. Food Lion strives to be a caring neighbor and good corporate citizen in the communities it serves and directs its corporate giving efforts toward feeding the hungry, children’s health and education, including campaigns for Hunger Has a Cure, Children’s Miracle Network, Easter Seals and United Way. Additionally, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for nonprofit programs and organizations dedicated to improving the communities in which Food Lion operates.

Food Lion customers can find their store’s specials on fresh produce, Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef®, other fresh meats, natural products and more items throughout the store by visiting www.FoodLion.com and clicking on weekly specials.

Food Lion LLC is a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). Food Lion LLC operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. Food Lion LLC employs approximately 74,000 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Contact: Jennifer Speck (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2118

8/25/2009

Grand Opening Festivities on Wednesday, August 26; First 500 Customers to Receive Reusable Bags Filled with Private Brand Groceries

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion will unveil its new store in Dallas, Ga., located at 2985 Villa Rica Highway, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 26 at 8 a.m. The first 500 customers to enter the store will get a free reusable bag filled with private label products, including cereal, pasta, snack crackers and other items. The Paulding Chamber of Commerce is scheduled to attend the ribbon-cutting event. The store will open to the public following the ribbon-cutting.

The store will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Customers visiting the store on Wednesday will be able to register for a shopping spree in which the winner will have 102 seconds to complete a trip around the store.

“This is our first store in Dallas and we look forward to serving our customers,” said Gene Faller, market vice president for Southeastern Markets. “We are committed to delivering quality products and great value at everyday low prices.”

Jeff Stover, a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., will be the manager of the 40,000 square-foot facility. He has four years of retail management experience and joined the company in January 2008.

“We are excited to introduce Food Lion to the residents of Dallas and becoming an active member of this community,” said Stover. “Food Lion is dedicated to providing great prices and excellent customer service to our customers.”

The store will have approximately 85 associates, with all positions created for the new store, and will feature a large fresh produce department and a deli/bakery with in-store decorated cakes, specialty meats, cheeses and breads, as well as a large meat department featuring Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef ®, fresh pork, poultry and seafood. Customers will also enjoy an expanded natural and organic foods section, as well as an expanded variety of wines. The new store also offers a pharmacy, Western Union services, Rug Doctor rentals, Blue Rhino propane exchange, ATM and Coinstar.

Food Lion strives to be a caring neighbor and good corporate citizen in the communities it serves and directs its corporate giving efforts toward feeding the hungry, children’s health and education, including campaigns for Hunger Has a Cure, Children’s Miracle Network, Easter Seals and United Way. Additionally, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides financial support for nonprofit programs and organizations dedicated to improving the communities in which Food Lion operates.

Food Lion customers can find their store’s specials on fresh produce, Butcher’s Brand Premium Beef®, other fresh meats, natural products, wines, and more items throughout the store by visiting www.FoodLion.com and clicking on weekly specials.

Food Lion LLC is a subsidiary of Brussels-based Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG). Food Lion LLC operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid’s. These stores meet local customer needs and preferences for the freshest and best quality products. Food Lion LLC employs approximately 74,000 associates in 11 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

Contact: Jennifer Speck (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2118