Two Sunshine Coast supermarkets have been recognised with national titles at the IGA Awards of Excellence.
White’s IGA Forest Glen was named Australia’s best medium store and scored wins for its deli and dairy/freezer departments, while White’s IGA Baringa was acknowledged for having the best large bakery department.
The grocery stores were previously honoured with state awards.
An IGA spokesperson hailed the Forest Glen outlet.
“In a short time, the store has developed a reputation of quality, range and great service with shoppers across the Sunshine Coast,” they said.
“Like all White’s stores, they are massive supporters of the local community, providing great value for shoppers whilst boasting a large gourmet section, gifting range, chocolateries and extensive fresh, grocery, dairy and freezer departments.”
Owner Roz White said the store, which opened in 2022, was special.
“Step into (IGA) Forest Glen and you’ll immediately feel the difference,” she said.
“This isn’t just a store, it’s a thoughtfully curated space where modern design meets local charm.
“Sunlight pours through high ceilings, illuminating a marketplace where community and quality converge.”
At the heart of the store is a family table, where locals can gather over barista-made coffee brewed from locally roasted beans.
“It’s a place to pause, connect and soak in the welcoming atmosphere,” Ms White said.
“Shoppers meander through aisles filled with fresh, locally sourced produce and gourmet delights, picking up everyday essentials while discovering something special for dinner.”
She said the store, which has about 100 employees, offers “a warm, modern shopping experience that feels like home”.
Ms White praised the deli department.
“We’re proud to celebrate the incredible talent behind our deli counter, none other than Sandy (Flannery), our beloved deli manager queen,” she said.
“Sandy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her craft. Her expertise ensures our customers enjoy a premium selection of handcrafted cheeses, gourmet treats, locally sourced hams and smallgoods, fresh Mooloolaba prawns and an ever-changing array of freshly made in-store salads, sandwiches and wraps.”
She also lauded the dairy/freezer department.
“Manager Kat (Sassella) has worked with White’s IGA for over a decade and her level of expertise, supported by a very experienced team, ensures our customers are offered a great range of value on everyday goods, including our weekly specials and tantalising treats complemented by locally sourced dairy and non-dairy goodies from superstar producers in our region such as Coyo, Maleny Dairies and Kenilworth Dairies, to name a few,” she said.
Ms White commended the IGA Baringa bakery department.
“(It) offers a great range of baked-in-store goodies and everyday bakery lines complemented by freshly made breads, croissants, cakes, pastries and delectable delights such as my favourite, jam and cream rolls, crafted by scratch bakery Noosa Gourmet and delivered fresh every day,” she said.
“‘Dexter’, the wrap machine, turns dough into fresh wraps in store right before your eyes: you can’t get fresher than that.”
White’s IGA also has stores at Peregian Beach, Mount Coolum, Bli Bli, Forest Glen, Mooloolah and Baringa.
There are plans to upgrade the Bli Bli store. Lotto is being installed at the Peregian Beach store.
