For Mike’s company,
animals are subjected to extreme cruelty.
*Image representative of battery cage facility
There’s animal cruelty at Hannaford—does President Mike Vail even care?
Mike is the brand president of Hannaford, a regional supermarket chain headquartered in Maine. Mike became Hannaford’s president in 2015 after years working for Ahold Delhaize, Hannaford’s parent company, which also owns Food Lion, Giant, and Stop & Shop.
Under Mike’s leadership, Hannaford is neglecting a serious animal cruelty issue. In the U.S., Hannaford sells eggs from controversial battery cage facilities where chickens are confined in cages so small that they can barely move. This practice is so unsafe and inhumane that it is illegal in many U.S. states and the entire European Union.
As Brand President, Mike has the power to enact stronger animal welfare standards at Hannaford. Instead, he’s refusing to act.
Mike’s company is misleading its customers.
A recent survey of Ahold Delhaize customers. including Hannaford customers, found that 85 percent opposed caged hen housing, preferring that hens be kept in open barns. The survey also found that the company’s labeling is misleading to a significant portion of its customers, who incorrectly believe eggs with certain labels at Ahold Delhaize stores are cage-free. This confusion and potential mistrust put the company’s brand reputation at risk.
It’s clear Ahold Delhaize’s customers expect the company to transition to 100 percent cage-free — and that their loyalty depends on the company sticking to its word.