Hansen's IGA Named 2025 Grocer of the Year by the Wisconsin Grocers Association

Monday, October 6th, 2025 -- 12:01 PM

Hansen’s IGA Market has been named the 2025 Grocer of the Year by the Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA), the organization’s highest honor.

The award was presented at the Annual WGA Awards dinner recognizing the Hansen family’s leadership and commitment to excellence in the grocery industry. “This truly is a team award,” said Kari Hansen. “We are truly honored and humbled. There is no way this could happen without 600 other Hansen’s IGA Market team members.”

The Grocer of the Year Award is the WGA’s most prestigious recognition, honoring retailers who exemplify operational excellence, industry leadership, and community commitment.

Hansen’s IGA Market, led by Greg, Kari, and Nick Hansen, operates 16 stores across Wisconsin and employs more than 600 team members. The company has earned national recognition, including being named IGA USA Retailers of the Year and receiving the NRAB Chairman Excellence in Leadership Award in 2025.

Founded in 1968 with a single store in Bangor, Hansen’s has grown into a network of “hometown proud” supermarkets known for quality products, outstanding service, and deep community engagement. From their Bangor commissary’s renowned smoked meats to their beautifully merchandised stores, Hansen’s continues to set the standard for independent grocers. This award represents a legacy in Wisconsin’s grocery industry. In 2008, Leo and Rosemary Hansen won the WGA Grocer of the Year award.

“The Hansen family’s leadership blends tradition with innovation,” said Mike Semmann, WGA President and CEO. “Their dedication to customers, employees, and communities across Wisconsin makes them a model for the grocery industry.”

This is the 52nd year the WGA has presented their Grocer of the Year Award and a clear milestone for the Association’s membership. WGA Chair Bob Jaskolski said, “They exemplify the highest qualities of leadership in business and their community, and their influence has positively enhanced the lives of others.”

(Photo provided by the Wisconsin Grower's Association via press release)

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