Ahold Delhaize accelerates Food Lion’s expansion with five acquisitions

Food Lion, an American supermarket chain owned by Ahold Delhaize, is acquiring five stores from competitor Winn-Dixie in the state of Georgia. The retailer is thus exceeding its growth target for 2026 and gaining a stronger foothold in the southeastern United States.

Fifteen new stores in 2026

Food Lion had initially planned to open ten new supermarkets this year, but thanks to the acquisition of five Winn-Dixie locations, that number has risen to fifteen. The stores are located in Brunswick, Folkston, Lake Park, St. Simons Island, and Valdosta, all in southern Georgia.

The five supermarkets will continue to operate under the Winn-Dixie name for the time being, until the transaction is finalized. Food Lion plans to renovate them in mid-December and reopen them under its own brand. The retailer expects to hire approximately 375 employees. “With these stores, we can serve more families in Georgia,” says Greg Finchum, CEO of Food Lion. “Each new store expands our reach and strengthens our presence in the communities where we operate.”

In addition to a revamped store layout and an expanded selection of fresh products, customers will gain access to Food Lion’s online services, including curbside pickup and home delivery via Food Lion To Go.