ATLANTA — For 100 years, IGA has been built on a simple but powerful idea: independent grocers can achieve more together than they can alone. That principle has fueled the growth of a global network spanning thousands of stores and will bring hundreds of retailers, wholesalers and supplier partners to Atlanta this week to celebrate the organization's centennial.
The three-day IGA Rally will feature educational sessions, networking opportunities and special events, culminating Sept. 19 with the IGA Centennial Awards of Excellence Gala at the Georgia Aquarium. The evening will honor retailers and industry partners whose leadership, innovation and commitment have helped shape IGA's legacy in communities around the world.
A Landmark Celebration at the Georgia Aquarium
This year's gala will take place at one of Atlanta's most iconic venues. The Georgia Aquarium, among the largest aquariums in the world, will provide a memorable backdrop for an evening recognizing a century of independent grocery achievement.
The black tie optional event is designed to reflect the significance of the milestone, bringing together industry leaders for a night of recognition, reflection and celebration.
Honoring Retail Excellence Around the World
IGA's global footprint is one of its defining strengths, and retailers from markets across the world will be recognized during the gala. Honorees representing regions including the Caribbean, the Philippines, Australia, Canada, Ireland, South Africa and others will be celebrated for their success in adapting the IGA model to meet the needs of their local communities.
Their achievements demonstrate how the values that have guided IGA for a century continue to resonate across different cultures, markets and generations of shoppers. The centennial serves as a reminder that IGA's success story is a global one, built by independent retailers working together around the world.
Recognizing the Best of IGA USA
Nine IGA USA Retailers of the Year will also be honored for exceptional performance, innovation and leadership.
These retailers exemplify the strength of independent grocery, whether through operational excellence, customer loyalty, community involvement or creative approaches to serving their markets. From rural stores reinventing what a local grocer can offer to longstanding community institutions that remain deeply connected to their customers, this year's honorees showcase the adaptability and resilience that define independent retailing.
Being named an IGA USA Retailer of the Year is among the organization's highest distinctions, carrying special significance during the centennial celebration.
Celebrating Key Industry Partners
The gala will also recognize organizations that help independent retailers succeed through the Red Oval Service Provider of the Year and Red Oval CPG of the Year awards.
These honors acknowledge the vendors, suppliers and service providers that support independent grocers every day through innovative products, dependable service and solutions that help stores remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Their contributions reinforce a central truth of the IGA model: independence thrives through strong partnerships.
Special Honors Reflecting IGA Values
In addition to performance-based awards, several special recognitions will celebrate individuals and organizations whose impact extends beyond business results.
Among the honors presented will be:
- Spirit of IGA Award: Recognizing a person or store that embodies the values and collaborative spirit of the IGA family.
- CEO Award: A special distinction recognizing exceptional leadership and vision within the network.
- Sustainability Award: Honoring meaningful efforts that advance environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability within the grocery industry.
Additional award recipients and special recognitions will be announced during the event.
More Than an Awards Program
As IGA marks its 100th anniversary, the Awards of Excellence Gala represents more than a celebration of individual achievements. Each honoree reflects the strength of a store, a community and a network that has spent a century proving that independent grocers can compete, grow and thrive together.
The evening will serve as the capstone of the centennial Rally, bringing members together to celebrate the people and partnerships that built IGA's past while looking ahead to its future.
