Charlie Hanna
Charlie Hanna is the CEO of Cedar’s Foods and an active philanthropist in Lebanon and the United States, using his influence and wealth to support those in need across the world.
Cedar’s Foods was established in 1981 by Charlie’s father Ibrahim Hanna. When Charlie assumed the role of CEO in 1991 and took over all company operations, the company sales were at $1.8 million annually. Today, through Charlie’s leadership of over 30 years, Cedar’s is a multi-billion-dollar valued company employing close to 1,500 people producing and distributing hommus, tzatziki, yogurt dips, pita chips, and other Mediterranean food products. Cedar’s is one of the fastest growing Mediterranean food brands found in all major U.S. grocery chains in every state. Cedar’s, a household staple, is the #1 brand of Hommus in the natural and organic food channel and the largest producer of hommus in the world producing not only for the Cedar’s brand, but also for multiple national brands. Beyond the brand, Cedar’s also produces dairy products and specialty products for some of the largest global CPG companies in the world. In 2019, Charlie and his executive team purchased the ready to eat oats brand, Brekki and took this brand national within the first year of acquisition. In 2021, Cedar’s was recognized for commencing 40 years of business by Forbes Middle East where an entire corporate report was dedicated to highlighting the company and its achievements.
Cedar’s is proud to be from the Mediterranean, where community is everything. During Charlie’s leadership, Cedar’s Foods launched the non-profit foundation, Cedar’s with Heart while Charlie also has a personal foundation in Lebanon called CFM. Cedar’s with Heart is uniquely positioned to think globally, and act locally. It strives to better our world by applying its Mediterranean family values to Cedar’s actions within its community – at home and abroad. Charlie’s team has donated over 1 million pounds of hommus locally to Haverhill, MA while being heavily invested in eliminating food insecurity amongst children and has invested greatly in Lebanon, enriching and giving back to a place he still lovingly calls home.
For its continued success and philanthropic contributions, Cedar’s has most recently been awarded:
• 2023 Charles E. Billups Award by Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce
• 2022 Haverhill, MA Mayor Fiorentini declared November 22 as Lebanese Independence Day, raising the Lebanese flag annually to commemorate this day. Charlie and his family worked diligently to achieve this recognition.
• 2020 Business of the Year Award by the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce
• 2019 Lebanese Diaspora Energy of North America recognized Cedar’s for its dedication to the Lebanese community and causes in USA
• 2019 Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Award Silver Northeast by MassEcon
• 2018 Legislative Manufacturing Caucus Manufacturing Award by Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership
• 2014 Northeast Business Leader for Energy Efficiency by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership
While Charlie leads Cedar’s with his heart, his global philanthropy is something he is most proud of, as he believes everyone is deserving of a better future.
Charlie was born in Karkha, Lebanon and grew up in northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. He attended both Northern Essex Community College and what is now UMASS Lowell for business administration courses. He currently resides in Windham, NH with his wife and two children and often visits Lebanon as he is dedicated to philanthropic contributions there.