The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has announced its 2026 Centennial USA Retailers of the Year, recognizing a group of independent grocery retailers whose leadership, innovation and commitment to their communities exemplify the values that have defined IGA for the past 100 years.
The retailers were announced during the welcome reception at The NGA Show 2026, marking one of the first major events in IGA’s Centennial celebration year.
The IGA USA Retailer of the Year award honors independently-owned grocery retailers nominated by their Licensed Distribution Centers (LDCs). Winners are selected based on demonstrated excellence in store operations, innovation in merchandising and customer experience, commitment to community engagement, strong partnerships within the IGA network and outstanding service to customers and employees.
“These retailers represent the very best of independent grocery retailing,” said John Ross, president and CEO of IGA.
“They lead with innovation, serve with purpose, and strengthen their communities every day. Their success highlights the impact independent grocers have at the local level and the important role they play in the future of food retail.”
While all IGA retailers share a commitment to local ownership and service, these retailers of the year stand apart for their ability to combine strong business performance with deep community involvement. These stores often serve as community hubs, investing in local causes, supporting regional suppliers, and creating personalized shopping experiences that reflect the needs of their neighborhoods.
“What truly distinguishes this year’s honorees is their ability to connect entrepreneurial excellence with community leadership,” Ross said. “These retailers are not only running successful businesses — they are trusted leaders and essential partners in the communities they serve.”
2026 IGA Centennial Retailers of the Year
- Brian McGregor, Archie’s IGA, St. Maries, Idaho | UNFI
- Russel and Stephanie Burkholder, Burkholder’s Country Market, Spring Mills, Pennsylvania | Bozzuto’s Inc.
- Mack McLamb, Carlie C’s, Louisburg, North Carolina | MDI
- Jennifer and Tim Bosma, Harvest Market IGA, Fort Bragg, California | C&S Wholesale Grocers
- Ricky Dow, Kj’s Market IGA, Lake City, South Carolina | W. Lee Flowers
- Jason and Jacob Linnes, Orcas Island Market, Eastsound, Washington | J.B. Gottstein
- Matt Ladnier, Piggly Wiggly, Wiggins, Mississippi | Houchens Food Group
- Kevin and Nicholas Bohman, Pride Family Market, Hanover, Indiana | Winkler, Inc.
- Kelly Gutzwiller and Daren Wood, Versailles IGA, Versailles, Indiana | Associated Wholesale Grocers
IGA will recognize the 2026 Retailers of the Year throughout the Centennial year with retailer profiles, store visits and features across IGA and industry media. The honorees will also be formally celebrated at the IGA Centennial Awards of Excellence Gala in September 2026.
“As we enter our second century, we are proud to celebrate the independent retailers who continue to define what IGA stands for,” Ross said. “These honorees set a standard for excellence that inspires retailers across our network.”
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