IGA Honors International Retailers of the Year

The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) honored a host of retailers at the IGA Awards of Excellence Ceremony, on Monday, February 27, 2023 at Area 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Throughout the ceremony, IGA Retailers of the Year from the U.S. and other countries in addition to select Red Oval Partners and wholesalers received awards recognizing their unique accomplishments, including innovations, community service, digital marketing, and more.

The Alliance named Rob Rowe of Rowe's IGA Baymeadows in Jacksonville, Florida the IGA USA International Retailer of the Year for exemplary excellence in retailing and advancement of the IGA brand. With great prices every day, a best-in-class selection of ethnic products, and high-quality perishables, Rowe’s IGA Supermarkets have become destination stores for shoppers.

"They have a mission that says, 'I don't exist unless I'm serving my local community — whatever that is that my community needs. I'm not just making a bet on sales today, I'm investing in my community so that those second and third generations become loyal customers for life.' And that's exactly what Rob Rowe is doing," IGA CEO John Ross said when introducing Rowe.

In addition to being known for high quality offerings, Rowe’s serves locations that competitors will not, which has prevented many food deserts in the Jacksonville, Florida area. The Rowe’s team believes that all shoppers deserve a top-quality grocery store in their local community, and they have delivered on that belief.

IGA International Retailers of the Year

At the ceremony, IGA also honored fellow International Retailers of the Year from 2020, 2021, and 2022, as it was the first global gathering since the COVID outbreak in 2020.

“Without a doubt, our IGA 2023 International Retailers of the Year and previous year winners are among the top performers in the industry, and it is truly awe-inspiring to witness the radiance of their entrepreneurial drive.” Ross said. “Furthermore, we are thrilled we can give everyone a proper recognition in person.”

Ross continued, "From the way these retailers are merchandising local products, to evolving towards targeted digital marketing while still maintaining the charm of local ownership, these businesses are not only diverse, but also highly innovative and creative, constantly coming up with new and exciting ways to make their stores both entertaining and engaging. They are essentially think tanks of fresh and unique ideas that reflect the pride and ingenuity of their local owners. However, despite their individuality, there is one thing that unites them all: a steadfast dedication to their customers and communities.”

Here are the winners:

2023 IGA Australia International Retailers of the Year

James Cameron, Peter Lee, and Matthew Saunders of SUPA IGA – Ritchies IGA Maclean in Queensland, Australia.
Wholesaler: Metcash Foods

2021/2022 IGA Australia International Retailer of the Year

Tyrone and Leanne Jones of SUPA IGA - Mt Cotton in Queensland, Australia.
Wholesaler: Metcash Foods

2020 IGA Australia International Retailers of the Year

Michael Shakes of Fresh St. Market IGA in Queensland, Australia.
Wholesaler: Metcash Foods

2020 IGA South Africa International Retailer of the Year

Shabeer Bux of Save You Powertrade IGA in Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Wholesaler: Unitrade Management Services

2020 IGA Caribbean International Retailer of the Year

Darin Barrett of Epicurean Fine Foods in Antigua
Wholesaler: UNFI

Congratulations to the winners!

Want to see even more winners? Check next week's The IGA Minute, where we will reveal additional award winners and videos, including U.S. retailer and wholesaler awards for innovations, Red Oval Partner of the Year, and Licensed Distribution Center of the Year.