Australia’s best independent supermarkets have been recognised at the 2021 IGA National Awards of Excellence on 4 December.
In its 22nd year, the awards create an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the stores and the role they play in their local communities. The judging criteria covers a variety of areas, including customer service, community pride, department excellence, brand values, merchandising and the store’s overall performance.
The national awards was hosted in individual states simultaneously and the awards broadcasted from Sydney to each venue. Award-winning actor, presenter and IGA ambassador Shane Jacobson hosted the ceremony at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney. A number of other well-known Australian TV personalities and presenters hosted the satellite dinners in each state, including Shelly Craft in Brisbane, Tim Campbell in Melbourne, Kym Dillon in Adelaide and Tracy Vo in Perth.
Metcash Food CEO Scott Marshall said: “Whilst we’re not quite all in the same room, it’s fantastic to be able to come together in this way to celebrate and recognise the dedicated retailers who are working tirelessly to support their local communities. Despite the challenges faced over the past couple of years, it’s been incredible to see how retailers continue to go above and beyond to provide standout offerings in their local communities.
“Local grocers lie at the heart of the communities they work in and these awards are testament to the passion, resilience, hard work and commitment they have in delivering a unique shopping experience for their customers. Congratulations to all of the award winners, they are truly well-deserved.”
A total of 22 awards were presented during the evening and South Australian retailers from Penola Fresh IGA, Shane and Kerry McPherson, were inducted into the prestigious IGA Hall of Fame. Additionally, Fresh St. Market IGA and SUPA IGA Mt Cotton were recognised and named as IGA International Retailer of the Year winners for 2020 and 2021 respectively. While these stores would have ordinarily become the Australian representatives at the International IGA Global Rally in the US, the Covid-19 pandemic meant the awards ceremony could not take place and so a special presentation was held to honour the international accolade.
The major award winners
National Retailer of the Year and SUPA IGA Store of the Year: SUPA IGA Mt Cotton, Queensland
With over 20,000 unique and innovative products on offer, customers are never short on choice at SUPA IGA Mt Cotton. From the traditional grocery lines to the gourmet butchery, and the handcrafted fresh sushi, it truly is a complete shopping destination. The team are passionate about their customers, always ‘going over and above’ to deliver a first-class shopping experience.
Store owner Tyrone Jones said: “We are honoured and overjoyed to have been named National Retailer of the Year, among other accolades, at this year’s IGA Awards of Excellence. It’s a true privilege to serve our local community and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of our dedicated team. It’s been a challenging couple of years for everyone, so to be acknowledged with multiple awards is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
IGA Store of the Year: White’s IGA Mt Coolum, Queensland
White’s IGA Mt Coolum continues to exhibit high retail standards and a ‘customer’s first’ mentality year after year. The extensive range of products offered are always immaculately merchandised and the team continues to support local suppliers and producers through the “locavore” culture which has turned this store into a true ‘local hub.’
White’s IGA Mt Coolum store owner Roz White said: “We’re thrilled to have been awarded IGA Store of the Year and IGA Dairy-Freezer Department of the Year at the IGA Awards of Excellence. We’re hyper-focused on offering our customers the best service and products, so to be recognised in this way is something we’re very proud of.”
IGA Xpress Store of the Year: Lovey’s IGA Xpress Hawks Nest, New South Wales
Rivalling one of the majors, Lovey’s IGA Xpress Hawks Nest is a one stop shop that goes above and beyond to remain competitive and provide its community with top quality fresh products. From daily cut meats and fresh market supplied produce, to the par bake bakery, and their delicatessen and café, this little store has it all.
Store owners Peter Trappel and James Lovegrove said: “We’re proud to have been awarded IGA Xpress Store of the Year and IGA Xpress Fresh Award at this year’s IGA Awards of Excellence. We may be small in size, but we’re a one-stop-shop with everything larger stores offer, and we’ll continue to passionately serve our local community for years to come.”
Other stores recognised on the night:
SUPA IGA Mt Cotton, Queensland – Tyrone and Leanne Jones
- National Retailer of the Year
- SUPA IGA Store of the Year
- SUPA IGA Delicatessen Department of the Year
- SUPA IGA Meat Department of the Year
- SUPA IGA Bakery Department of the Year
- SUPA IGA Dairy-Freezer Department of the Year.
White’s IGA Mt Coolum, Queensland – Roz and Michael White
- IGA Store of the Year
- IGA Dairy-Freezer Department of the Year.
Lovey’s IGA Xpress Hawks Nest, NSW/ACT – Peter Trappel and James Lovegrove
- IGA Xpress Store of the Year
- IGA Xpress Fresh Award.
Ritchies Fine Food IGA Spit Junction, NSW/ACT – Ritchies Group
- IGA Delicatessen Department of the Year
- IGA Bakery Department of the Year
- IGA Grocery & General Merchandise Department of the Year.
IGA St Leonards, Vic – Jean Cowley
- IGA Meat Department of the Year.
Romeo’s Food Hall IGA St Leonards, NSW/ACT – Romeo’s Retail Group
- IGA Fresh Produce Department of the Year.
Daly’s SUPA IGA Portland, Victoria – Michael and Peter Daly
- SUPA IGA Fresh Produce Department of the Year.
SUPA IGA Tully, Queensland – Craig Teitzel
- SUPA IGA Grocery and General Merchandise Department of the Year.
White’s SUPA IGA Bli Bli, Queensland – Roz and Michael White
- IGA Customer Service & Experience Award.
IGA Ningaloo Harvest, WA – The Clarke Family
- Retail Transformation & Innovation Award.
IGA Xpress Bibra Lake, WA – Lou Rigo and Paul Birmingham
- IGA Xpress Small Format Store Innovation Award.
Zuccoli IGA, SA/NT – Kenwood and Shelly Lay
- IGA National Community Award.
Shane and Kerry McPherson – Penola Fresh IGA, SA/NT
- Hall of Fame.
Scott Britza – Parton’s IGA, WA
- Rising Star Award.
Hall of Fame awarded
Community icons and owners of Penola Fresh IGA, Shane and Kerry McPherson, have been inducted into the Dr. Thomas S. Haggai IGA Hall of Fame. The presentation was made to Shane and Kerry McPherson by their son, Max McPherson.
Since its inception in 2001, the coveted honour recognises the recipient’s outstanding achievements and contribution to the Australian independent retail industry.
Speaking on her induction, Kerry McPherson said: “It’s an incredible honour to have been inducted into the IGA Hall of Fame.
“We have been in the retail industry for over 30 years. We love what we do, we’re passionate about our local community and feel fortunate to have been involved in many aspects of it.”
The McPhersons play an important role in their local community, whether that be by supporting and sourcing locally produced and made products for their shoppers or being involved with local charities and clubs, such as the Lions Club, MND and Pink Up Penola Breast Cancer Group. The retailers are also the largest employers in town.
Metcash Food CEO Scott Marshall said: “Shane and Kerry’s long-standing contribution to the independent retail industry is incredible. They are the heart of their local Penola community, whether that be supporting local up-and-coming suppliers or getting behind local charities and clubs. Adored by their family and locals alike, their legacy is outstanding and a true testament of their passion and dedication to the independent network.”
