IGA on Esplanade – A Different Grocery Experience

When you hear a company operated successfully in British Columbia for 61 years, you know it must be doing something right.

And independently owned and operated since 1955 doing something right is exactly what 27 IGA stores have been working at in British Columbia since 1955.

This year, Jim and Geri Pattenden and their knowledgeable team at North Vancouver’s 12-year old IGA at 130-150 West Esplanade are celebrating their complete redesign and expansion of their fresh-food departments.

“Geri and I understand our customers are looking for high-quality, fresh local products and want to make shopping with us an inviting, friendly experience,”
Jim says.

“I get a kick out of negotiating hot deals with our vendors and passing those savings on to our customers,” he said.

Before customers shop, they often visit the store’s bistro for just-brewed IGA coffee and a menu of freshly-prepared snacks, soup and sandwiches. After that pick-me-up, it’s on to all the departments for the items on your must-have list.

Produce

In a world that’s increasingly aware of the need for wholesome nutrition, the availability of quality produce is crucial. Which is why IGA selects local produce from B.C. growers who can get their products to market at the peak of freshness. Growers are also reviewed to ensure they use ecology-friendly practices with minimal or zero artificial pest controls.

In-season items like peppers, asparagus, strawberries, blueberries and other fruits and vegetables come from farms in Richmond and the Fraser Valley.

In cooperation with B.C. Tree Fruits Ltd., peaches, pears, apples, grapes and other fruits are sourced from throughout the Okanagan.

For products that cannot be grown in B.C., the IGA team has chosen growers in southern Washington, California, Mexico and Chile who can get their product to the B.C. market in fresh condition.

Fish, Meat, Dairy and Organic Products

To ensure sustainability of wild fisheries, IGA has partnered with the Ocean Wise (www.oceanwise.ca/) program of the Vancouver Aquarium and its network of market suppliers and food-service businesses.

“We sell wild B.C. salmon and butchers will cut meats to your specifications,” Jim explained.

Full service deli, meat and dairy selections and large variety of cheeses are available, along with prepared salads, sandwiches and party platters. There are 1,200 different organic brands available throughout IGA stores.

In-store bakery

Again with a focus on freshness, the in-store bakery provides a daily range of breads, buns, sweet goods, special occasion cakes and desserts, and wheat - and gluten-free products.

Healthy Living

For anyone anxious to keep or get their diets and nutrition on track, one of the most important services at IGA Esplanade can be found in the Healthy Living section of the IGA website. Questions can be put to the store’s registered dietitian. Answered free-of-charge, the information provided online might cost anywhere from $60 to $150/hour in a private consultation.

For more details, Jim and Geri invite you to visit the store or contact them today.

“Only the freshest selections make it to our shelves!”