Saints Road Foodland has been recognised as IGA International Retailer of the Year in an awards celebration held in Las Vegas, Nevada on 11 March.
The “highly coveted” award was presented to the South Australian store alongside several supporting awards for IGA retailers from around the world. The awards recognise excellence in retailing and the positive advancement of the IGA brand.
Director Spero Tsapaliaris, Executive Manager Philip Funnell, and Chief Executive Officer Franklin dos Santos accepted the award on behalf of Saints Road Foodland.
The Saints Road Foodland store was opened in 2019 and immediately made widespread impressions with its delivery of South Australian produce, food and beverages and world-class service – all housed under a multi-million dollar fit-out.
In 2023, Saints Foodland IGA was awarded the annual IGA National Retailer of the Year award alongside IGA National Large Store of the Year and IGA National Large Grocery and General Merchandise Department of the Year.
Foodland Supermarkets CEO Franklin dos Santos says Saints Foodland has continued to drive its mission to deliver South Australians with an elevated, premium shopping experience.
“We are incredibly proud of the Saints Foodland store which has reached the pinnacle of the retail industry and once again puts Foodland IGA on the global stage,” Mr dos Santos said.
“To be recognised among more than 6000 independent retailers from around the world, truly reflects the ongoing passion and commitment from the Chapley Group to exceed customer and supplier expectations time and time again.”
“Saints Road Foodland is more than just a supermarket, it’s a destination. An international accolade such as World’s Best Supermarket will be another reason for customers to go and experience the store.”
Mr dos Santos continued: “When you think about the world’s best supermarkets you think about all the bells and whistles of the finest quality fresh produce, locally sourced produce, artisan breads, pasta and chocolate, international brands, an abundance of variety and first-class service.
“This globally recognised store has all of that and more. The store has been designed around the needs, tastes and lifestyles of the customers in the local area. The customers are the heart of this unique shopping experience. Saints brings a foodie enthusiast paradise to the northern suburbs with a wide range of food and ingredients from around the world along with the freshest and best that South Australia has to offer.
“What you don’t necessarily think about are all the details on top of that that contribute to make the store extra special. The Saints Foodland store is seamlessly efficient and environmentally friendly which in this day and age is a necessity. This sustainable store has a strong focus on energy use with more than 550 solar panels installed, LED lights throughout the store, reduced food waste with a partnership with OzHarvest and strong recycling initiatives in place,” he said.
An expansive curated cheese bar, internal cafe and bakery, on-site butcher and charcuterie/smallgoods selection and seafood offering are just a few of the drawcards with this store. The team work tirelessly year-round to find new and exciting products and up-and-coming brands to stock its shelves.
