The IGA organization concluded its Centennial Global Rally with a gala event on September 19 at Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium, where the IGA Centennial Awards of Excellence were presented. This celebration honored independent grocery retailers, distribution partners, and industry leaders who embody a century of excellence within the global IGA network. The event was co-hosted by IGA Chairman Mark Batenic and President & CEO John Ross, who recognized outstanding retailers from nine different nations as the alliance observed its 100th anniversary.
Celebrating Outstanding Contributions Across the Network
Mack McLamb from Carlie C’s IGA in Louisburg, North Carolina, received the 2026 IGA USA International Retailer of the Year distinction, the evening’s highest U.S. accolade. For the first time in its history, IGA awarded its top honor—the J. Frank Grimes Award—to two individuals.
Michael Bozzuto, chairman, president, and CEO of Bozzuto’s Inc., was awarded for his leadership of the family-owned wholesaler, which has partnered with IGA since 1970, and for establishing the Dream Ride Experience in 2000 to support Special Olympics. His father previously won the award in 1992, making them the only father-son duo to achieve this recognition.
Dr. Paulo Goelzer, who joined IGA in 1994 and created the IGA Coca-Cola Institute in 2004, was honored for transforming the corporate training program into a global institution that has educated over 10,000 retail businesses worldwide. Goelzer stepped down from his role as institute president earlier this year after more than three decades in the position.
The Thomas S. Haggai Spirit of IGA Award was presented to Fred Harrison, CEO of Ritchies, Australia’s largest independent supermarket chain with over 90 locations and $1.5 billion in yearly revenue. Additionally, Jad Pereira, CEO of Unitrade Management Services, was given an honorary International Retailer of the Year jacket for reintroducing the IGA brand to South Africa.
Specialized Honors for U.S. Retailers
Nine U.S. retailers, selected by IGA’s licensed wholesalers as the best among the alliance’s 3,600 American stores, were named 2026 IGA USA Retailers of the Year. Each recipient was awarded a specialized prize reflecting their unique accomplishments:
- Russ and Stephanie Burkholder of Burkholder’s Country Market in Spring Mills, Pennsylvania: Local Equals Fresh Award (presented by Bozzuto’s Inc.)
- Ricky Dow of KJ’s Market in Lake City, South Carolina: Empowerment & Inspiration Award (W. Lee Flowers)
- Kevin and Nicholas Bohman of Pride Family Market in Hanover, Indiana: Pathfinder Award (Winkler Wholesale Grocers)
- Kelly Gutzwiller and Daren Wood of Versailles, Indiana: Ricky St. John Taking Care of People Award (Associated Wholesale Grocers)
- Matt Ladnier of Piggly Wiggly in Wiggins, Mississippi: Team Building Award (Houchens Food Group)
- Brian McGregor of Archie’s IGA in St. Mary’s, Idaho: Mark Batenic Driving Value Award (UNFI)
- Jennifer and Tim Bosma of Harvest Market IGA in Fort Bragg, California: People & Planet Stewardship Award (C&S Wholesale Grocers)
- Mack McLamb of Carlie C’s IGA in Louisburg, North Carolina: NRAB Chairman Excellence in Leadership Award (MDI)
- Jacob and Jason Linnes of Orcas Island Market in Eastsound, Washington: Archie McGregor Quality Without Compromise Award (J.B. Gottstein)
International Winners and Corporate Accolades
International Retailers of the Year, each already recognized as Retailer of the Year in their respective countries, hailed from Canada, Grenada, the Philippines, South Africa, Ireland, and Australia. Winners included Bob Hoy of IGA Gibsons in British Columbia and the Romeo family of Romeo’s Foodland IGA Royal Park in Adelaide. Ireland’s two winning Centra stores marked the first Retailer of the Year honors for a location supported by wholesaler Musgrave, which joined IGA in 2025.
Corporate recognition went to AppCard, named Red Oval Service Provider of the Year, and The Clorox Company, which received the Red Oval CPG of the Year award.
