Romeo’s Foodland Royal Park has been crowned IGA International Retailer of the Year 2026, announced at the IGA Centennial Global Rally & Awards Gala in Atlanta, USA, on Saturday 19 September.
The award recognises exceptional retail stores and shopping experiences from around the world, and marks the ninth time a South Australian Foodland has been named the world’s best supermarket.
A family affair on the global stage
Romeo’s Retail Group Directors Paul, Joseph and Anthony Romeo accepted the award in Atlanta alongside family members Antonio Romeo and Paul Romeo. The Romeo family operates 39 stores across South Australia and New South Wales, and this is the fourth time a Romeo’s store has won the international title, placing the family among the most awarded IGA retailers in the world.
A one-stop shop for Adelaide’s western suburbs
Royal Park opened in May 2023 with an inviting and abundant offering for the western suburbs. Highlights include:
- fresh, quality produce
- in-house prepared sushi and fresh ready-made pizzas
- an in-store florist
- a dedicated cheese room
- a full deli charcuterie display
“Far beyond your traditional supermarket experience”
Foodland CEO Franklin dos Santos said the global recognition was testament to the dedication of the families behind the Foodland brand.
“The Romeo Family is synonymous with quality fresh produce, world-class service, innovative stores and loyal customers,” Mr dos Santos said.
“This win is for the Romeo family who continues to show up day after day to deliver something far beyond your traditional supermarket experience. We’re proud to have the Royal Park store in our network and we know that the customers are proud to have this award-winning store in their community.”
“To have the Foodland brand on a global stage once again is a privilege. This type of award brings customers from around the country and the Romeo family will welcome each and every one of them with open arms to experience the Royal Park store.”
Success built from the ground up
Romeo’s Retail Group Director Joseph Romeo said the award was an incredibly proud moment for the family and the Royal Park team.
“To receive this recognition on the international stage is a tremendous honour for our family and our business. Royal Park has traded successfully from the day it opened in May 2023, and that success began well before the doors opened,” Mr Romeo said.
“My brothers Paul, Anthony and I drew on our many years of experience to plan and deliver the store and establish the foundations for its success. Since opening, my nephew Antonio, representing the next generation of our family business, has made an enormous contribution through his leadership, passion and commitment to the store, supported by an exceptional team who bring Royal Park to life every day.”
“This award belongs to our entire Royal Park team, our loyal customers and the local community. We are extremely proud to represent South Australia, Foodland and IGA on the international stage.”
Come and see for yourself
Congratulations to the Romeo family and the whole Royal Park team. If you haven’t yet visited, now’s the perfect time to experience the world’s best supermarket, right here in South Australia.
