White’s IGA continues to set the benchmark for independent supermarket excellence across Queensland and Northern NSW.
Queensland and Northern NSW’s top independent supermarkets have been recognised at the 2026 QNN State IGA Awards of Excellence, held on Thursday 19 February at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre and hosted by Australian icon Shane Jacobson.
White’s IGA stores are celebrating outstanding results across multiple categories, recognising their commitment to quality, innovation and community connection.
White’s IGA Forest Glen received two major awards:
• 2026 QNN Medium Bakery Department of the Year
• 2026 QNN Medium Dairy & Freezer Department of the Year, following their national win in 2025.
Forest Glen’s Bakery Department creates a warm first impression for shoppers, offering an extensive range of fresh products tailored for locals—from convenient school-run favourites like cakes, muffins and breads to signature in-store baked specialties such as cherry pies, cookies and rolls.
The Dairy & Freezer Department impressed judges with its breadth of range, consistent quality, and strong value offering. Regular introduction of new products keeps the department fresh, relevant and engaging for its community.
White’s IGA Mooloolah was awarded the 2026 QNN Innovation Award, recognising the store’s recent expansion and innovative approach to modern retailing. The store features a gourmet delicatessen, in-store popcorn, cold-pressed juice stations and contemporary design upgrades—all while preserving its Locavore philosophy centred on local, sustainable and community-focused sourcing.
Outside of the major award wins, many White’s IGA stores were also nominees in various categories.
White’s IGA Baringa was nominated for:
• 2026 QNN Large Delicatessen Department of the Year Award
• 2026 QNN Large Bakery Department of the Year Award
• 2026 QNN Large Fresh Produce Department of the Year Award
• 2026 QNN Large Grocery & General Merchandise Department of the Year Award
• 2026 QNN Large Dairy & Freezer Department of the Year Award
• 2026 QNN Large Store of the Year Award
White’s IGA Forest Glen was nominated for:
• 2026 QNN Medium Delicatessen Department of the Year Award
• 2026 QNN Medium Fresh Produce Department of the Year Award
• 2026 QNN Medium Grocery & General Merchandise Department of the Year Award
• 2026 QNN Medium Store of the Year Award
White’s IGA Mooloolah was nominated for:
• 2026 QNN Medium Delicatessen Department of the Year Award
• 2026 QNN Medium Bakery Department of the Year Award
• 2026 QNN Medium Fresh Produce Department of the Year Award
• 2026 QNN Medium Grocery & General Merchandise Department of the Year Award
• 2026 QNN Transformation Award
White’s IGA Peregian Beach nominated for:
• 2026 QNN Medium Fresh Produce Department of the Year Award
White’s IGA Mt Coolum nominated for:
• Candice Mason, 2026 QNN Rising Star Award
“It is truly wonderful that both Forest Glen and Mooloolah have won these awards. It is a significant achievement for our teams who work incredibly hard to deliver exceptional experiences for our local shoppers. A massive thank you to our team and to the local communities who continue to support us—we are so grateful,” said owner, Roz White.
A total of 22 awards were presented on the evening, celebrating outstanding community engagement, customer service, merchandising, departmental excellence and overall store performance. Both Forest Glen and Mooloolah will now represent Queensland & Northern NSW at the National IGA Awards of Excellence in July, competing against top stores from across Australia.
