Our local supermarket Marks IGA Mansfield has taken out a prestigious honour at the recent 26th IGA National Awards of Excellence held on the Gold Coast Queensland on 14 July.

Bringing together the best of the best these annual awards recognise, highlight, and celebrate independent retailers from across the country.

Following on from the success at state level Marks IGA was crowned the 2025 IGA National Large Meat Department of the Year.

Australia’s best IGA and Foodland IGA stores were recognised on the night.

This year’s awards were hosted by award-winning stand-up comedian, Logie nominated actress, TV presenter and author, Julia Morris, and award-winning broadcaster and international affairs correspondent, Hamish Macdonald.

The crowd was entertained by Mitch Tambo, Katie Noonan, Isaiah Firebrace, Troy Cassar-Daley, Kate Ceberano, John Foreman and the IGA Orchestra. Australian singer and actor, Cody Simpson, also made an appearance to perform the Australian National Anthem.

Julia and Hamish presented 24 awards to IGA and Foodland IGA independent retailers, with Jean Cowley, proud owner of IGA Barwon Heads, being inducted into the prestigious Dr Thomas S Haggai IGA Hall of Fame.

Romeo’s Foodland IGA Royal Park took home the highest accolade of the night – the 2025 IGA National Retailer of the Year.

They will now proudly represent Australia at the International IGA Global Rally in the USA.

“We are so proud to be celebrating and reflecting on another successful year with our IGA and Foodland IGA stores across Australia," said Metcash Food CEO Grant Ramage.

"These stores are at the heart of thousands of communities across Australia, and they work tirelessly to provide locals with exceptional service, unique and tailored ranges, great value and so much more.

"These individuals, teams, and stores truly demonstrate the reasons why you can’t beat local," said Mr Ramage.

“A big congratulations to all our winners and nominees who have done an incredible job within their stores and communities. "These awards recognise the outstanding achievements of independent retailers, and we couldn’t be prouder of them all."