IGA weighs in on cheap imports

IGA has chimed in on Woolworths' recently announced pledge to source locally produced fruit from SPC for its private label canned range with a plug for its own sourcing strategy.

IGA has been sourcing SPC and other local producers for its private label ranges over the last 10 years, according to Silvestro Morabito, chief operating officer of Metcash Food & Grocery which supplies IGA supermarkets.

“We stand by our commitment to support local farmers. This is nothing new to IGA,” he said.

“Not only are we continuing to source locally grown and manufactured products from more than 74 Australian suppliers for the IGA Signature premium private label program, as well as our poultry, seafood, meat and vegetables, but also selling branded products that consumers want, not simply what supermarket head offices want to sell to them.

Morabito said Metcash had listened to its customers and worked hard to provide the choice and range of local products they want to buy.

“IGA stores have the flexibility to range local supplier products, as well as products not stocked by other supermarkets,” he said.