The National Grocers Association (NGA) has shared the winners of the 2026 Creative Choice Awards, recognizing top marketing and merchandising programs in the independent grocery industry.
The awards, supported by Cheez-It and Unilever, will be presented during The NGA Show, set for Feb. 1-3 at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas. A Unilever and Cheez-It-sponsored session will present the awards on Feb. 1.
“Independent grocers continue to raise the bar for what’s possible in marketing and merchandising,” said Laura Strange, NGA’s chief communications and engagement officer and SVP.
“This year’s Creative Choice Awards winners exemplify the innovation, creativity and community connection that define our industry. From bold digital engagement to immersive in-store experiences, these independent grocery stores are not only meeting today’s shoppers where they are but building lasting loyalty and driving meaningful growth through innovative and unique marketing and merchandising campaigns.”
Merchandising Award Winners
Local, Specialty and Emerging Products
- Retailer with more than 15 stores: Coborn’s (Beer Brats with Castle Danger Brewery)
Fresh Innovation
- Retailer with 15 stores or less: Edwards Food Giant (Fresh Innovation Food Service)
- Retailer with more than 15 stores: Freson Bros. (Hatch Chile Season)
Center Store & Beyond
- Retailer with 15 stores or less: Pruett’s Food ($5 Dollar Friday)
- Retailer with more than 15 stores: Coborn’s (Banner Program)
Private Label Excellence
- Retailer with 15 stores or less: Living Fresh Market (Increasing Private Label Sales)
- Retailer with more than 15 stores: Fareway Stores (Truly Yours)
Cross-Department Merchandising
- Retailer with 15 stores or less: H.G. Hill (Peach Paradise)
- Retailer with more than 15 stores: Coborn’s (Fall Festival)
Marketing Award Winners
Digital Excellence & Omnichannel Engagement
- 15 Stores or Less: Pruett’s Food ($5 Dollar Friday)
- More Than 15 Stores: Big Y Foods (Still a Pahty Big Game Campaign)
Integrated Campaigns & Innovation
- 15 Stores or Less: Clark’s Market (Clark’s Perks)
- More Than 15 Stores: Fareway Meat & Grocery (AI-Driven Store Visit Campaign)
Community Engagement & Celebratory Milestones
- 15 Stores or Less: Pontiac Street Market (Pack 2 School)
- More Than 15 Stores: Houchens Food Group (Clendenin Save A Lot Grand Opening)
Multicultural Engagement
- 15 Stores or Less: Teloloapan Meat Market (30 Years Growing With Our Community)
- More Than 15 Stores: Sendik’s Markets (Ethnic Festivals Partnership)
Brand and Talent Growth
- 15 stores or less: Dorothy Lane Market (Be a Part of the DLM Experience)
- More than 15 stores: Freson Bros. (Future of Alberta Food)
From the category winners, one Outstanding Marketer and one Outstanding Merchandiser will be selected through online voting by the independent supermarket community. Voting is open through Feb. 1 at 6 a.m.
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