IGA Honors Retailers at Global Rally

Pictured above: 2018 IGA USA Hometown Proud Retailers IGA Chairman Mark Batenic (far left) and IGA CEO John Ross (far right) honor the IGA USA Hometown Proud Retailers (left to right) Carl Penta and Ed Penta of McKinnon's Supermarket & Super Butcher Shop, Archie and Shelley McGregor of Dissmore's IGA, Tracy Dilworth and Stan Dilworth of Dill’s Food City IGA, Nirav Modi and Jeet Brahmbhatt of Fresh Foods IGA, Tiffany and Scott Blair of Liberty IGA and Gary and Terrie Baker of Baker's IGA

IGA honored a host of retailers at its Global Rally, held Feb. 10 and 11 in Las Vegas at the Mirage Hotel and Casino. 

The 2018 IGA International Retailers of the Year were honored  at the Awards of Excellence Brunch on Feb. 11 at the IGA Global Rally. The awards were bestowed upon the IGA retailers who, based on the grocery group's globally applied standards, have achieved "exemplary excellence in retailing and advancement of the IGA Brand."

Gary and Terrie Baker, who own five IGAs in Ohio, including award-winning Baker’s IGA in Newcomerstown, took home top honors as the USA International Retailer of the year. Serviced by Associated Wholesale Grocers, the Bakers recently celebrated 100 years in business. Gary and Terry have worked side by side in the business for 40 years, and attribute their legacy of success to their "ongoing commitment to fostering a caring culture for their employees, shoppers, and community. "

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CEO's Innovation Award

Pictured above: IGA Chairman Mark Batenic (far left) and IGA CEO John Ross (far right) present the CEO's Innovation Award to (left to right) Joe Romeo of Romeo's Retail Group, Kurt Rodhe of Rodhe's Marketplace, Ed Penta and Carl Penta of McKinnon's Marketplace. Not pictured: Greg King of California Fresh Brands

IGA officials said the Newcomerstown store is known throughout the area it serves for "fun promotional events, local favorite deli items made from Baker’s signature recipes and giving back to the community."

“It's clear to me that our IGA 2018 International Retailers of the Year and IGA USA Hometown Proud Retailers are some of the best in the business, and it’s amazing to see how the entrepreneurial spirit comes shining through,” IGA CEO John Ross said. “From the specialty items they’re creating in their delis and bakeries and the way they merchandise local products, to the promotions that keep their stores fun and interesting, each of these businesses is a veritable think tank of innovative ideas reflecting the pride and creativity of local ownership. And while these stores are a clear representation of the diversity of different cultures from around the world, the one thing that is common across all of them is their undeniable commitment to the customers and communities they serve.”

2018 IGA International Retailers of the Year

Pictured above from left to right: Mark Batenic; Paul, Antonio, Elisabeth, and Joe Romeo; Gary and Terrie Baker; Moalian Luo and John Ross

Ross also presented the newly minted CEO’s Innovation Award to  IGA retailers during the Global Rally Business Session on Feb. 10. Recipients include Kurt Rodhe of Rodhe’s Marketplace IGA in Millersburg, Ohio; Greg King of California Fresh Brands, who operates three IGA stores in California.; and Joe Romeo of  Romeo’s Retail Group, who operates 40 stores in South Australia and New South Wales.

IGA's additional USA Hometown Proud Retailers include: 

See the full list of international winners below:

IGA Australia International Retailers of the Year

Antonio, Joseph, and Paul Romeo, McLaren Vale Foodland IGA, McLaren Vale, South Australia; serviced by Metcash Food & Grocery – Kidman Park, South Australia

The Romeo family owns 40 IGA stores across South Australia and New South Wales. McLaren Vale Foodland IGA stands out for with a truly unique and innovative shopping experience that includes a walk-through cheese room displaying a vast range of local and internationally made cheeses; a fresh sushi bar with its own sushi chef; an extensive of gourmet produce, meats and wines.

IGA China International Retailer of the Year

Maolian Luo, Xin Yu Lou Department Store Group Co. Ltd., Huanghua, Hebei, China; P.R.

Xin Yu Lou Department Store Group has been serving shoppers in Hebei China for 34 years. The company’s motto, “Focus on the shoppers and lead them to healthy and quality life” guides the store’s attention to the wellbeing of shoppers and employees alike. Buyers from Xin Yu Lou carefully source products around the world, bringing healthy and safe fresh food, and quality clothing and products.