Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of the global Ahold Delhaize Group, is not just one of the largest grocery retailers on the East Coast; it has emerged as a powerhouse in innovation and omnichannel retailing. Through its family of brands, including Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop, the company serves millions of customers weekly, both in-store and online. Its relentless focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, driving digital transformation, and expanding omnichannel solutions has positioned Ahold Delhaize USA as a leader in the fiercely competitive grocery industry.

At the heart of Ahold Delhaize USA’s digital transformation is Peapod Digital Labs (PDL), the company's e-commerce and digital innovation arm. Established in 2018, PDL was created to leverage the size and scale of Ahold Delhaize USA’s brands to deliver seamless, personalized shopping experiences across all channels. From in-store to mobile and online, PDL’s mission has been to create an omnichannel supermarket experience that is unparalleled in the industry.

Ahold Delhaize USA has continued to make significant strides in e-commerce. One of its latest milestones was the successful launch of the Prism platform, a proprietary e-commerce solution initially implemented at Food Lion. This platform has since expanded across the company's other brands, enhancing mobile app experiences and providing real-time tracking, reordering options, personalized recommendations, and digital coupons. Peapod’s innovations continue to fuel the company's growth in omnichannel retail, solidifying its position as a digital leader in the grocery space.

In 2024, Ahold Delhaize USA reinforced its omnichannel strategy by partnering with DoorDash, allowing customers to access grocery delivery through a familiar platform. This partnership extends to all Ahold Delhaize brands, providing additional options for customers seeking fast, convenient home delivery. The collaboration reflects Ahold Delhaize USA’s commitment to meeting customers where they are—whether through traditional shopping, online orders, curbside pickup, or delivery.

The company’s focus on omnichannel retailing doesn’t stop at delivery. Ahold Delhaize has continually invested in mobile technology, launching apps across its brands that allow customers to shop online, manage orders, scan products, and even place deli orders while shopping in-store. By integrating loyalty programs into these apps, Ahold Delhaize USA not only drives engagement but also helps customers access savings and personalized offers, enhancing overall satisfaction.

Our strength as a grocery retailer in the U.S. is the true omnichannel experience – a combination of online and in-store – where we have leading brands and market share, strong store density, and a deep heritage of customer loyalty.

Ahold Delhaize USA has embraced AI and data analytics to revolutionize its grocery operations. The company’s in-house data platform, Fiona, consolidates massive amounts of consumer data from point-of-sale systems, e-commerce platforms, and loyalty programs. This data is then analyzed by teams of data scientists to drive deeper insights into consumer behavior. Armed with this information, the company can deliver more personalized offers, optimize product assortments, and improve inventory management, ensuring that stores are always stocked with the products customers want.

By 2028, Ahold Delhaize USA aims to transition more than 80% of its customer base to digital loyalty programs, up from physical cards. The company’s goal is to achieve 30 million monthly active users, a key metric that will drive higher sales as omnichannel shoppers tend to spend significantly more than single-channel customers.

Beyond customer-facing technologies, Ahold Delhaize USA is also investing in automation to improve operational efficiency. Through its “Save for Our Customers” program, the company has implemented AI and automation in its logistics and distribution centers, aiming to streamline processes and reduce costs. Wearable robotic exosuits for distribution workers, for example, are part of this drive to increase both safety and efficiency across operations.

These technologies have allowed Ahold Delhaize USA to maintain its margins even in challenging market conditions. The company forecasts €5 billion in cumulative savings by 2028, largely driven by its investments in automation, AI, and a modernized technology stack.

Ahold Delhaize USA has also taken bold steps to grow its retail media business. In 2024, the company partnered with Havas Media Network to bolster its traditional and digital advertising capabilities. This partnership enables Ahold Delhaize brands to create personalized ads using real-time data, helping to drive customer engagement both online and in-store. By transitioning its retail media business in-house, Ahold Delhaize USA has not only streamlined operations but also increased complementary revenue streams, with retail media growing by 13% in 2023.

What makes Ahold Delhaize USA stand out in the grocery industry is its ability to blend tradition with innovation. While the company’s brands have deep-rooted connections with their communities and a history of trust, Ahold Delhaize USA has not hesitated to embrace new technologies and shift towards a digital-first business model. The combination of local relevance, customer loyalty, and cutting-edge digital solutions makes Ahold Delhaize USA a formidable player in the U.S. grocery sector.

Frans Muller, President and CEO of Ahold Delhaize, has been instrumental in shaping this vision. As he stated at the company's 2024 Strategy Day, “Growing Together ensures we will stay at the forefront of innovation in healthy foods, omnichannel experiences, and supply chain transformation, serving customer needs through a well-invested and future-focused foundation.”

Looking ahead, Ahold Delhaize USA’s "Growing Together" strategy will drive its continued success. The company’s ambition to expand its private label sales, invest in technology, and densify markets such as Food Lion and Hannaford reflects a commitment to sustained growth. With plans to remodel 1,000 stores, open new locations, and leverage AI to enhance customer experiences, Ahold Delhaize USA is well-positioned to lead the grocery industry into the future.

Ahold Delhaize USA has built a grocery empire that blends the best of local grocery brands with the power of digital innovation. By prioritizing omnichannel growth, AI-powered insights, and automation, the company is setting new standards in the grocery sector. As consumer preferences evolve, Ahold Delhaize USA is ready to meet them head-on, delivering convenience, value, and a personalized shopping experience like never before.