The McLaren Vale Foodland IGA has taken out a major global award in Las Vegas

A SOUTH Australian independent supermarket has been named the best IGA in the country. You might be thinking it’s yet another award for Frewville or Pasadena ... but this time it’s a surprise winner from much further out.

Brothers Paul, Joseph and Anthony Romeo at their Fairview Park store. Picture: Emma Brasier/AA{

SOUTH Australia’s independent supermarkets continue to punch above their weight, with a popular regional store being named the best IGA in the country.

The McLaren Vale Foodland IGA, owned and operated by the Romeo family, has been named the Australian international retailer of the year at the IGA’s annual global awards held in Las Vegas.

The award marks a hat-trick of wins for South Australian supermarkets, with the Chapleys-owned Frewville Foodland taking out the major prize in the past two years.

Romeo Retail Group’s Joseph Romeo said strong links to the local community were an important ingredient in the store’s success, as well as its “complete package of modern day grocery retailing”.

The Romeo family’s McLaren Vale Foodland IGA won the Australian International Retailer of the Year award.

“Exceptional customer service has always been key to the store’s great success and the team has worked hard to build great relationships with our local community and our suppliers,” he said.

“We go to extraordinary lengths to ensure we are building strong relationships with our customers, community and suppliers.

“This set of values has always been at the core of our family business success, in addition to ensuring our customer service, local offerings and expert knowledge of our produce is the best it can possibly be.”

Last year the McLaren Vale supermarket won two awards at the national Metcash Supermarkets and Convenience Expo, named national retailer of the year and Foodland IGA/SUPA IGA store of the year.

Local food producers Margaret Jones and Vicki Matchett with some of their products at the newly opened McLaren Vale Foodland IGA in 2015. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

The store is located in the heart of McLaren Vale, regularly hosting cheese and gourmet food tastings to complement the range of wines produced in the surrounding region.

It has a sushi bar with its own chef, an extensive gourmet range of meats, antipasti and glazed fruits, and a large range of gluten, health and lifestyle products.

Mr Romeo said a modern and innovative merchandising approach at the store included wide aisles and clear signage, making it easy for customers to navigate their shop.

The Romeo Retail Group celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, and operates 40 stores across South Australia and New South Wales.