Two Geraldton stores - Rigters SUPA IGA and SUPA IGA Queens - recognised at National IGA Awards of Excellence

Two Geraldton IGA stores were deemed to be the cream of the crop among the 1400-strong chain of independently owned stores nationwide at an awards night earlier this week.

Rigters SUPA IGA and SUPA IGA Queens were both recognised at the National IGA Awards of Excellence on the Gold Coast — two of five WA stores that won awards.

Rigters SUPA IGA won the SUPA IGA national delicatessen department of the year and SUPA IGA national fresh produce department of the year awards. SUPA IGA Queens was named SUPA IGA national bakery department of the year.

Judges took into account a range of criteria, including customer service, community pride, department excellence, brand values, merchandising and the store’s overall performance.

Metcash Food CEO Scott Marshall said: “Leading WA stores have delivered an exceptional store experience to their local shoppers. These exemplary stores have gone over and above for the benefit of their local community, team members and the independent retail grocery industry.”

Judges found John Rigter and his team at Rigters SUPA IGA had “taken convenience to a whole new level”, with a broad variety of smallgoods and cut and wrap cheeses as well as a big range of ready-to-go meals, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options. They also worked closely with local producers to deliver local first wherever possible among their huge range of fresh, top-quality produce.

In SUPA IGA Queens’ favour was their extensive range of freshly made breads and savouries daily and their willingness to try new ideas.