I hate to say it but as far as i know IGA is no more Australian owned than vegemite.
IGA (Independent Grocers Alliance) was founded in America in 1926 and represents an alliance between wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers. IGA became the vehicle for protecting and strengthening the relationship of the three players against the growth of the chain stores.
Today IGA is the world’s largest voluntary supermarket network with sales of more than $22 billion (Euro Dollars) annually with over 4,000 independent stores in some 41 different countries.
IGA in Australia IGA was brought to Australia by Davids Holdings in 1988 when 10 stores initially became members of IGA. In more recent times independent retailers have come to realise the benefits of uniting together under one brand, and today there are over 1000 IGA stores in the country. Davids itself has changed its name to Metcash Trading Limited and the distribution side of the business changed to IGA Distribution.
IGA stands for ’Independent Grocers of Australia’.
The IGA logo represents a standard of consistency of operation in the industry, and more importantly to IGA customers. So while the offer may differ in each of the three channels, and the stores may be of different sizes, IGA customers can be assured that they are shopping IGA, and are enabling local Australian business to continue to be active in the communities that they serve.
Whilst IGA originates from OS at least they are supporting local business and communities, more than can be said for Coles and Woolworths.
But we shop at DRAKE FOODLAND, a true Australian business thats taking on the two supermarket giants mentioned above
In 1965, Roger Drake commenced his supermarket retailing career with the Coles Myer Group. In 1974, after 9 years at Coles Myer, Roger established his own business by purchasing his first store for AU$29,000 in Mitcham, a southern suburb of Adelaide, South Australia – a three-lane supermarket called Jack & Jill’s with 4 employees. After three successful years, Roger opened a larger supermarket at Torrensville, in the western suburbs of Adelaide. The company has grown opportunistically since then and now owns 48 stores throughout South Australia and Queensland, with a turnover in excess of $800M and 4500 employees nationally.
Drake Supermarkets is the largest independent grocery retailer in Australia and specialises in supermarket retailing. In addition to their supermarket stores, the company operates a liquor store, several newsagencies and a consulting service. The company also has a significant property portfolio.
The company’s strength lies in operating on the principles of a family business and supporting local manufacturers and suppliers. Roger prides himself on knowing as many of his staff as he can by name. He spends time every day out in his supermarkets, talking to staff and customers alike, and always endeavouring to improve the level of service the company provides.
Despite its expansion, the company has managed to keep its focus on the important aspects of the supermarket business – THE CUSTOMER – by always striving to provide superior customer service. This is the company's competitive edge – along with its family values and South Australian roots. One of Roger’s best-known sayings is “I am not your boss, the customer is your boss, for without the customers, none of us would have a job!”
As a first generation family business, Drake Supermarkets has achieved great success in a market dominated by two retail giants. An increased focus on staff training and development, customer service initiatives, innovation and an expanded social media presence have been among the key factors to this growth. However, Drake Supermarkets overall sales growth is the commitment to our customers, community, staff and suppliers.
