Scarborough, MAINE (October 17, 2025) – HP Hood is the honoree of the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association 2025 Impact Award. This annual recognition celebrates one individual or business that exemplifies excellence in Maine’s food industry through leadership, advocacy, and community engagement.
Founded in 1846 in Charlestown, Massachusetts, Hood® has become one of the largest and most respected dairy processors in the United States, operating 12 manufacturing plants nationwide, including one in Portland, Maine. For more than 175 years, the Hood name has been synonymous with quality, integrity, and innovation—values that continue to define the company today.
The Portland facility stands as a testament to Hood’s commitment to quality, adhering to high quality milk sourcing and testing standards to ensure safety and fresh taste. These practices not only uphold Hood’s longstanding reputation but also reflect its deep-rooted dedication to New England’s agricultural and food traditions.
Even as a national leader, Hood has never lost sight of its local impact. The company remains a steadfast partner of MGFPA and an active voice in Maine’s food and beverage community. Hood’s engagement extends across critical policy discussions, including participation in the Maine Milk Commission, contributions to the Dairy Task Force, and thoughtful input on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation. Their advocacy reflects a balanced commitment to sustainability, fair policy, and economic growth within Maine’s food sector.
Beyond its industry leadership, Hood’s culture of collaboration and community involvement is embodied by Board Member Mike St. Cyr, who has served on the MGFPA Board for more than 12 years. Mike’s enduring dedication—through board participation, event volunteerism, and mentorship—represents the very spirit of partnership that the Impact Award seeks to honor.
“Hood’s enduring commitment to Maine’s food industry, its active legislative leadership, and its unwavering dedication to fostering opportunities for other Maine businesses truly set them apart,” said Christine Cummings, Executive Director of MGFPA. “Their legacy reminds us that great companies don’t just make great products—they strengthen the communities and industries they serve.”
The MGFPA Impact Award, formerly known as the Grocer, Associate, and Food Producer of the Year Awards, is now presented annually to one recipient chosen by industry peers. The award recognizes those who embody business excellence, community service, and advocacy for Maine’s food economy. The honor was presented at the 2025 Front Counter Forum, a collaborative industry event hosted by the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association, the Retail Association of Maine, and the New Hampshire Retail Association, held at Hannaford’s Corporate Headquarters in Scarborough, Maine. Attendees also enjoyed the premiere of a commemorative video celebrating HP Hood’s history and impact, highlighting the company’s long-standing role in shaping Maine’s food landscape.
About Hood
Founded in 1846, today Hood is one of the largest food and beverage manufacturers in the United States. For more than 175 years, the name Hood has been synonymous with fresh, quality products that taste great. Hood’s portfolio of national and super-regional brands and franchise products includes Hood®, Heluva Good!®, Planet Oat®, LACTAID®, Blue Diamond Almond Breeze®, and more. For more information, please visit Hood.com.
About the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association
The Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association is a non-profit business trade association composed of independent grocery stores and supermarkets, food and beverage producers and manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, and associated service businesses. They are dedicated to the prosperity of Maine’s grocery and food producer industry through excellence in advocacy, networking and education. For more information, please visit mgfpa.org.
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