Outstanding IGA supermarkets across the country recognised at the annual IGA National Awards of Excellence

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The nation’s best independent supermarkets have been recognised at the 2021 IGA National Awards of Excellence. Held on Saturday 4th December, the annual awards provided an opportunity to formally recognise and celebrate the achievements of independent retailers after what’s been another challenging 12 months.

The national awards truly reflected the “new normal”, with a dinner 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 wellknown 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.

A total of 22 awards were presented during the evening. Additionally, South Australian retailers from Penola Fresh IGA, Shane and Kerry McPherson, were inducted into the prestigious IGA Hall of Fame.

The winners included:

National Retailer of the Year • SUPA IGA Mt Cotton, Qld SUPA IGA / Foodland IGA Store of the Year • SUPA IGA Mt Cotton, Qld IGA Store of the Year • White’s IGA Mt Coolum, Qld IGA Xpress Store of the Year • Lovey’s IGA Xpress Hawks Nest, NSW/

ACT IGA Delicatessen Department of the Year • Ritchies Fine Food IGA Spit Junction,

NSW/ACT SUPA IGA / Foodland IGA Delicatessen Department of the Year • SUPA IGA Mt Cotton, Qld IGA Meat Department of the Year • IGA St Leonards, Vic SUPA IGA / Foodland IGA Meat Department of the Year • SUPA IGA Mt Cotton, Qld IGA Bakery Department of the Year • Ritchies Fine Food IGA Spit Junction,

NSW/ACT SUPA IGA / Foodland IGA Bakery Department of the Year • SUPA IGA Mt Cotton, Qld IGA Fresh Produce Department of the Year • Romeo’s Food Hall IGA St Leonards,

NSW/ACT SUPA IGA / Foodland IGA Fresh Produce Department of the Year • Daly’s SUPA IGA Portland, Vic IGA Grocery & GM Department of the Year • Ritchies Fine Food IGA Spit Junction,

NSW/ACT SUPA IGA / Foodland IGA Grocery & GM Department of the Year • SUPA IGA Tully, Qld IGA Dairy-Freezer Department of the Year • White’s IGA Mt Coolum, Qld SUPA IGA / Foodland IGA DairyFreezer Department of the Year • SUPA IGA Mt Cotton, Qld IGA Customer Service & Experience Award • White’s SUPA IGA Bli Bli, Qld Retail Transformation & Innovation Award • IGA Ningaloo Harvest, WA IGA Xpress Small Format Store Innovation Award • IGA Xpress Bibra Lake, WA IGA Xpress Fresh Award • Lovey’s IGA Xpress Hawks Nest, NSW/

ACT Community Award • Zuccoli IGA, SA/NT Rising Star Award • Scott Britza, Parton’s IGA, WA Hall of Fame • Shane & Kerry McPherson, Penola

Fresh IGA, SA/NT

In its 22nd year, the awards created 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.

Scott Marshall, Metcash Food CEO 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

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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 welldeserved.”

Shane and Kerry McPherson celebrate Hall of Fame accolade

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. 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.

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.”

The presentation was made to Shane and Kerry McPherson by their son, Max McPherson, at the 2021 IGA National Awards of Excellence on Saturday 4th December.

IGA National Chairman Joseph Romeo in Sydney

National IGA Retailer of the Year SUPA IGA Mt Cotton, QLD