Saints Road Foodland crowned the world’s best at IGA International Retailer of the Year awards in Las Vegas

A South Aussie Foodland has again been crowned the world’s best supermarket. But this time it’s not Frewville or Pasadena – it’s a “foodie paradise” in the northern suburbs.

Foodland supervisors Taylor Matiscsak and Amelia Cotgrave toast their success at the IGA global awards. Picture: Brenton Edwards

A family-owned supermarket in Adelaide’s north has been crowned the world’s best by its global peers at an awards ceremony in the US.

Saints Road Foodland, in Salisbury Plain, was named IGA International Retailer of the Year in Las Vegas, securing the top honour from more than 6000 stores worldwide.

Saints Foodland director Spero Tsapaliaris, and Foodland chief executive Franklin dos Santos were among those on hand to accept the award, presented by the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), which was founded in 1962, and operates in more than 30 countries.

Mr dos Santos said Saints Road Foodland, which opened in 2019 on the corner of Main North Road and Saints Road, is more than a supermarket, it’s a “destination”.

“The store has been designed around the needs, tastes and lifestyles of the customers in the local area. The customers are the heart of this unique shopping experience,” he said.

“Saints brings a foodie enthusiast paradise to the northern suburbs with a wide range of food and ingredients from around the world along with the freshest and best that South Australia has to offer.”

Foodland front end supervisors Taylor Matiscsak and Amelia Cotgrave celebrate as their store Saints Road Foodland has been awarded IGA International Retailer of the Year. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Environmentally friendly using 550 solar panels installed and LED lights throughout the store, its other drawcards include an expansive curated cheese bar, internal cafe and bakery, onsite butcher and charcuterie/smallgoods selection and seafood offering, Mr dos Santos said.

“The team work tirelessly year-round to find new and exciting products and up-and-coming brands to stock its shelves,” he said.

“An international accolade such as World’s Best Supermarket will be another reason for customers to go and experience the store.”

Cheers! Taylor Matiscsak and Amelia Cotgrave celebrate as their store Saints Road Foodland has been awarded IGA International Retailer of the Year - also known as World's Best Supermarket. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Saints Foodland is owned by the John Chapley family, and led by Mr Tsapaliaris, who’s also Foodland Supermarkets chairman. The family also own and operate the Norwood, Henley, Munno Para, and Sefton Park stores.

John’s brother Nick, through family firm Commercial Retail Group, own the Pasadena and Frewville Foodland stores. Frewville secured the same international IGA award in 2016 and 2017.

Saints won the national prize last year, along with IGA National Large Store of the Year, earning the right to represent Australia in the global event.