IGA USA Retailers of the Year Bob Craft & David Pike of Orono IGA

The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has awarded Bob Craft and David Pike, owners of Orono IGA, with the IGA USA Retailer of the Year and the Thomas S. Haggai Hometown Proud Awards.

IGA CEO John Ross joins Amy and Bob Craft, David Pike and his daughter, and IGA Chairperson Mark Batenic on stage.

Nominated by their licensed distribution center C&S Wholesale Grocers, Craft and Pike were recognized at the IGA Awards of Excellence Ceremony on February 24, 2025 in Las Vegas along with seven other U.S. retailers and IGA Australia and South Africa's Retailers of the Year. The awards are the highest honors the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) bestows upon its retailer members and are presented annually to grocers who have best provided leadership and excellence in their communities.

Keep scrolling to learn more about Craft, Pike, and their two Maine stores. 

This dynamic duo have made the IGA brand bigger than life in their communities in Orono and Calais, Maine. Highly respected by their shoppers, associates, vendors, and community leaders, Craft and Pike thrive on making sure everyone wins. They are at the heart of their community, knowing that what IGA does best is not selling boxes and cans, but taking care of your friends and neighbors.

Bob and Amy Craft and Billie-Jo and David Pike (left to right) hold the IGA USA Retailer of the Year certificate during IGA CEO John Ross' visit.

It starts with a great shopping experience, where center store and fresh prepared meals are treated with the same care and attention to detail that one would provide to family and friends. Craft and Pike extend that spirit in their unwavering attention to value in every aisle, ensuring their shoppers can feed their families quality food no matter their budget.

Craft and Pike further demonstrate their community dedication by reinvesting in their store to deliver a great shopping experience every visit and through their frequent participation in community organizations. Craft has served on the boards of directors for the YMCA and Old Town Little League, has held the role of esteemed loyal knight at the Old Town Elks Club, and has coached youth football, basketball and baseball.  He is also active in the Sons of the American Legion, and the store supports the Old Town Orono Rotary Club and Old Town Boosters Club. Craft and his son recently raised over $10,000 for Shriners Hospital through the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl football team.  It's easy to see that these grocers embody the Hometown Proud spirit.