The National Grocers Association has named Kristi Magnuson Nelson, president of Hugo’s Family Marketplace, as the recipient of the Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, one of the most prestigious honors in the independent grocery industry. The award was presented by FMS Solutions during The NGA Show in Las Vegas.
The NGA Show 2026 opened Feb. 1 at the MGM Grand Conference Center, bringing together grocery professionals from across the country for three days of education, innovation and industry collaboration. The event features more than 350 exhibits, expanded educational programming and new networking formats.
The Zaucha award honors the legacy of NGA’s first president and CEO, Tom Zaucha, whose career was defined by his dedication to strengthening independent grocers and building a strong foundation for the association. The award is presented annually to an independent grocer whose passion, persistence and vision have made a lasting impact on the industry.
“Kristi embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that defines independent grocers,” said NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara. “Her ability to grow and innovate while staying grounded in community values and industry service makes her an exceptional leader and a worthy recipient of this award.”
Under Nelson’s leadership, Grand Forks, North Dakota-based Hugo’s Family Marketplace has grown into a regional leader with 15 supermarkets across North Dakota and Minnesota. A third-generation grocer, Nelson took the helm of the company after her father, Curt Magnuson, died in 2007. Hugo and Dorothy Magnuson founded the company in 1939 as a small store in downtown Grand Forks.
Nelson has guided expansion through new store development, acquisitions from retiring independent grocers and reinvestment in existing locations. In recent years, Hugo’s has added stores through purchases such as Palubicki’s Family Market in Fosston, Minnesota, and a partnership with Lindner-Hagen Inc. to serve communities in Northern Minnesota. She has also embraced technology, expanded fresh offerings and strengthened local sourcing.
Beyond business growth, Nelson is recognized for her commitment to community and industry leadership. Hugo’s actively supports food banks, schools and civic programs, and Nelson is a champion of hunger relief and well-being initiatives. She serves on the NGA Board of Directors and supports advocacy efforts, Women Grocers of America and numerous NGA programs.
Opening day highlights at The NGA Show include breakfast roundtable discussions, forum-style programming on technology adoption and leadership development, the Creative Choice Showcase presented in partnership with IGA, and a keynote presentation featuring Ferrara, NGA Board Chairman Richie Morgan of North State Grocery Inc. and New York Times bestselling author Travis Mills. The day concludes with a welcome reception and IGA’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.
The show continues through Feb. 3 with educational sessions spanning technology and AI, operations, fresh foods, merchandising and business strategy, along with a show floor featuring more than 350 exhibitors. Signature NGA programs include the Creative Choice Awards, Best Bagger National Championship and Student Case Study Competition. Registration remains open onsite at thengashow.com.