The country supermarkets giving Coles and Woolies a run for their money

From cocktail garnishes to quirky cheeses, regional IGAs are looking to offer Aussies something big supermarkets cannot - choice with character.

Transcript

00:00For many Aussies in regional and rural towns, the local IGA has offered more than just groceries.

00:07It has become a destination.

00:10Fresh deliveries often arrive within hours of leaving the paddock,

00:14and store owners have stocked their shelves with everything from imported mustards to artisan cheeses.

00:21In far north Queensland, Matt Bowles' Atherton Supermarket has attracted customers from up to 90 minutes away,

00:28drawn by the unique produce and local flavour.

00:32Really what we try to look at is, you know, how do we showcase the best that our region has to offer?

00:36We're one of the largest mango growing regions.

00:39Up to 70% of Australia's avocados come from our area.

00:42I think 90% of Australia's bananas come from the far north.

00:46So they can be on the tree or on the ground in the afternoon and on our shelves for our shoppers the next morning.

00:52Unlike Coles and Woolworths, IGA supermarkets are independently run,

00:57allowing owners to put their own stamp on what they stock.

01:02From cocktail garnishes discovered on holidays to local farm produce,

01:07every store has reflected the personality of its community.

01:11Food trends is a really big one that we're always trying to keep ahead of,

01:15but it's definitely an emerging category for us in the last couple of years

01:19because it's just amazing that somebody can stumble on a type of chocolate in Dubai

01:25and all of a sudden it's a worldwide phenomenon.

01:28With around half of IGA's 1,280 stores based outside major cities,

01:35they have filled the gap left by big supermarket chains,

01:39giving regional Aussies fresh choice

01:42and a personal touch often missing in the majors.

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