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INDUSTRY NEWS Larry Higdon Guides 114-Year Company into The Future N ot many wholesalers remain family owned for multiple

generations. But despite the odds, Ira Higdon Grocery Company has managed to reach over a century of operation. Founded in 1909 by Ira Higdon, the turn-of-the-century operation served neighborhood grocers from a Cairo, Georgia warehouse with five employees, one mule, and a wagon. Ira Higdon Jr., who joined the company in 1935, carried on the family business until 1972, when current President and CEO Larry Higdon took over. Fast forward to today and the business has several awards under its

belt thanks to Larry’s leadership. Ira Higdon Grocery Company won IGA’s 2023 Licensed Distribution Center of the Year Award at the IGA Awards of Excellence Ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada in February. In 2016, Larry also won the J. Frank Grimes Award from IGA, which is the highest honor IGA bestows upon an individual. Larry is the third generation of his family to operate this family-owned wholesale business serving Georgia and Florida. After graduating from Emory University and serving as a fighter pilot through two tours of Vietnam, he joined the family business, spending more than 40 years growing the company. Larry credits his father for having the foresight to join IGA in 1961. He said the partnership gives them a national brand name and the Hometown Proud theme. “Because there’s been such an influx of people from up north to Georgia and parts of Florida since the 1960s, many of whom know the IGA name, it gives our retail customers a national identity.”

The company prides itself on being a smaller operation, allowing themselves to be more customer-focused and have more flexibility. That flexibility is important, as their customers include a variety of store models: convenience, full-service IGA, cost plus, and traditional supermarkets. Ira Higdon Grocery Company is still based in Cairo, Georgia with a 180,000 square foot warehouse, serving an estimated 85 customers in two states. “We do our darndest to serve people every day. When we have a problem, we handle it immediately. Our customers like it because we’re smaller and they can call up and talk to me,” Larry Higdon said.

“We’re proud to recognize Ira Higdon Grocery Company as the Licensed Distribution Center of the Year,” said IGA CEO John Ross. “Their unwavering commitment to excellence in service, dedication to their customers, and strong work ethic are a true testament to the Independent Grocers Alliance community.” Larry, who has served on GFIA’s board of directors for many years, credits his father’s foresight and his strong team of employees for the company’s success. Congratulations, Larry! (Thanks to IGA for sharing this story!) IGA Area Director Doug Stone and IGA CEO John Ross present this distinguished award.

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“The Voice of the Food Industry in Georgia”