IGA, Inc.
| Company type | Franchise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (Grocery) |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Founder | J. Frank Grimes and group of independent grocers |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Worldwide (over 30 nations) |
Key people | John Ross (President and CEO) |
| Products | Groceries, proprietary IGA product lines |
| Website | www |
IGA, Inc., known simply as IGA, represents a global network of franchised grocery stores that are independently owned and managed. By 2017, this alliance encompassed close to 5,000 supermarkets spread across more than 30 nations, achieving annual revenues of $36 billion. A significant portion of these outlets cater to smaller communities and are often family-operated.
Based in Chicago, Illinois, IGA was originally founded in the United States in 1926 under the name Independent Grocers Alliance.
History
The origins of IGA trace back to May 1926, when a group of 100 independent grocers from Poughkeepsie, New York, and Sharon, Connecticut, led by J. Frank Grimes, united to create a marketing cooperative aimed at strengthening their position against growing national chains like A&P. This alliance offered participating stores—primarily in smaller towns and cities—access to marketing resources and supply chain support, promoting themselves with the tagline "Hometown Proud Supermarkets."
Within its inaugural year, the coalition grew to over 150 retailers and introduced its own line of canned goods. By 1930, the IGA banner was displayed on more than 8,000 grocery outlets. As of 2024, the network has expanded to include over 6,200 stores globally.
William Olsen held the CEO position until 1988, followed by Thomas Haggai who served until 2016. Mark Batenic then assumed leadership before John Ross—formerly a store manager and data analytics expert—was appointed president and CEO. In 2024, IGA enhanced its in-store promotional technology by acquiring Scanner Applications from Inmar.
Although each member store maintains independent ownership, they benefit from collective resources such as proprietary IGA product lines, a comprehensive logistics system, training initiatives, and a digital advertising platform. The organization also coordinates promotional campaigns and charitable activities that support local neighborhoods.
By 2023, IGA operated in 22 countries with 763 stores across 38 U.S. states and territories, with a strong presence particularly in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kentucky.
Australia
In Australia, the IGA brand is owned by Metcash, a leading retailer and wholesaler in the country. Metcash supplies groceries and marketing materials to approximately 1,400 independently owned IGA stores as well as other brands such as Foodland and Friendly Grocer. Within the Australian supermarket sector, IGA ranks fourth behind Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi. Many Australian IGA outlets run their own Community Chest programs aimed at supporting local charities and community initiatives.
Canada
In Canada—excluding British Columbia—IGA operates as a franchise network of independent grocers supplied by Sobeys. Sobeys gained control of the brand through its acquisition of the Oshawa Group Ltd., with operations concentrated mainly in Quebec.
Dominica
In Dominica, HHV. Whitchurch is the exclusive company running an IGA-branded store located in Roseau.
Philippines
Walter Mart Supermarket is recognized as the first and only member of the IGA alliance within the Philippines, operating 47 stores primarily throughout Metro Manila and Luzon, spanning from Gapan, Nueva Ecija to Tanauan, Batangas.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- Companies based in Chicago
- Multinational companies
- American companies established in 1926
- Retail companies established in 1926
- Franchises
- Retailers' cooperatives in the United States
- Supermarkets of Canada
- Supermarkets of the United States
- Sobeys
- Supermarkets of Australia
- Cooperatives based in Illinois