THE nation’s best IGA supermarkets have been recognised at the 2021 IGA National Awards of Excellence over the weekend, including local store Lovey’s IGA Xpress Hawks Nest who took out the IGA Xpress Store of the Year and the IGA Xpress Fresh Award.

Commenting on the award win, Peter Trappel and James Lovegrove said, “We’re proud to have been awarded IGA Xpress Store of the Year and IGA Xpress Fresh Award at this year’s IGA Awards of Excellence.

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“We may be small in size, but we’re a one-stop-shop with everything larger stores offer, and we’ll continue to passionately serve our local community for years to come.”

The national awards truly reflected the ‘new normal’, with a dinner hosted in individual states simultaneously and the awards broadcasted from Sydney to each venue.

Award-winning actor, presenter and IGA ambassador, Shane Jacobson, hosted the ceremony at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney.

A number of other well-known Australian TV personalities and presenters hosted the satellite dinners in each state, including Shelly Craft in Brisbane, Tim Campbell in Melbourne, Kym Dillon in Adelaide and Tracy Vo in Perth.

A total of 22 awards were presented during the evening

In its 22nd year, the awards created an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the stores and the role they play in their local communities.

The judging criteria covers a variety of areas, including customer service, community pride, department excellence, brand values, merchandising and the store’s overall performance.

Scott Marshall, Metcash Food CEO said, “Whilst we’re not quite all in the same room, it’s fantastic to be able to come together in this way to celebrate and recognise the dedicated retailers who are working tirelessly to support their local communities.

“Despite the challenges faced over the past couple of years, it’s been incredible to see how retailers continue to go above and beyond to provide standout offerings in their local communities.

“Local grocers lie at the heart of the communities they work in and these awards are testament to the passion, resilience, hard work and commitment they have in delivering a unique shopping experience for their customers.

“Congratulations to all of the award winners, they are truly well-deserved.”