IGA contributes $8.2B to economy

IGA supermarkets contribute more than $8.2 billion into the Australian economy each year, according to Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) data.

Boasting a network of over 1400 independent family-owned supermarkets, IGA and Foodland IGA retailers pride themselves on being at the heart of local communities across Australia and supporting those communities they live in, and love.

The new study showed IGA and Foodland IGA are “major” national employers, directly employing over 65,000 locals in stores in every part of Australia.

IGA retailers across the country proudly support local producers, suppliers, farmers, and families, with the PwC research confirming IGA indirectly supports 41,700 jobs (by headcount) through their supply chains, and stocking the shelves with what the locals want, injecting more than $5.1 billion in GDP into local economies across Australia.

“This PwC research confirms what we have known for a long time – IGA retailers play an integral role in local communities across Australia and it’s these stores, run by locals, for locals, employing locals, that not only provide an essential service – feeding Australians, but also drive local economies and help local communities thrive,” says IGA/Metcash Food Retail General Manger Danielle Jenkinson.

“You can find an IGA in most local communities across the country and not only are our stores conveniently located but have competitive prices. At IGA we know value is now more important than ever and are committed to delivering great value to our shoppers through our Low Prices Every Day and Price Match programs and our weekly catalogue specials.

“We are also passionate supporters of our local communities, which is why wherever we can, we support local producers, suppliers, people, and organisations. We’re encouraging people to shop local, shop independent, choose family-owned businesses and not only will you be supporting your district’s producers, but you will also helping strengthen your local community.”

Support for local organisations

IGA supermarkets support an estimated 34,000 local organisations, meaning on average each IGA supermarket supports over 60 organisations with $194 million worth of financial, time and in-kind support.

More than 200 IGA stores from every state in Australia have partnered with food rescue charity Food For Change. The charity partnership has helped create more than 1.8 million meals for the hungry since the program began saving 1.3 million meals from landfill.

A further 150 IGA stores are in the process being onboarded with Food For Change.