Independent Grocers Alliance Welcomes Winkler Wholesale Grocers as Newest Licensed Wholesaler Partner

CHICAGO, IL – May 5, 2025 — The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) is proud to announce that Winkler Wholesale Grocers, Inc. has joined the Alliance as a Licensed Distribution Center (LDC). As an official member of the IGA network, Winkler is now licensed to distribute IGA Exclusive Brand products to independent grocery stores across its service region and has access to the full suite of IGA programs in support of their retailers.

Family owned and operated for more than 100 years, Winkler, Inc. is a trusted, full-line supplier dedicated to supporting independently owned supermarkets, superettes, and convenience stores. The company currently services more than 400 retail accounts in seven states: Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Michigan, offering a comprehensive range of products including groceries, fresh meat, deli, bakery, dairy, frozen foods, candy, produce, HBC/GM, supplies, cigarettes, and tobacco.

“Our mission at IGA has always been to empower independent retailers with the tools, branding, and buying power they need to compete and thrive,” said IGA Senior VP of Retail and Business Development Doug Fritsch. “Winkler Wholesale Grocers brings deep-rooted experience, regional expertise, and a genuine commitment to the independent retail community. We’re thrilled to welcome them into the IGA family.”

As part of IGA’s wholesaler network, Winkler will offer participating retailers access to IGA’s industry-leading programs in marketing, digital innovation, operations support, training, and private label—tools designed to help local grocers succeed in a competitive landscape while staying true to their community roots.

“Joining IGA allows us to take our support of independent retailers to the next level,” said Winkler President & CEO Josh Winkler. “With access to IGA’s Exclusive Brand products and their extensive suite of retailer programs, we’re excited to help our customers grow stronger, more competitive businesses—without compromising their independence or identity.”

This partnership marks another important step in IGA’s mission to strengthen local grocery through powerful national resources paired with hyper-local flexibility. Together with Winkler, IGA is expanding its reach and impact—ensuring that more communities across the Midwest have access to quality, independent retail options.

About IGA
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) was founded in 1926, bringing together independent grocers across the United States to ensure that the trusted, family-owned local grocery store remained strong in the face of growing chain competition. IGA is the world's largest voluntary supermarket network with aggregate worldwide retail sales of over $43 billion per year. The Alliance includes more than 7,500 stores globally, with operations in 46 of the United States and over 25 countries.

About Winkler Wholesale Grocers
Winkler Wholesale Grocers, Inc. is a fifth-generation family-owned business with over 100 years of experience serving the needs of independent retailers. Headquartered in Dale, Indiana, Winkler is a full-line wholesaler servicing seven states with a wide range of high-quality products and a legacy of commitment to customer success.