The Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) announced the winners of its 2026 Brix Awards on July 23 at a ceremony in St. Paul, Minnesota. The awards recognize retailers, vendors and staff across the natural foods cooperative’s membership.
INFRA is a cooperative of independent natural food and wellness retailers serving communities in the U.S., the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The organization surpassed 400 member stores earlier this year.
“As INFRA and the independent natural products community continue to grow, it’s especially meaningful to recognize the people and organizations whose generosity, leadership and vision strengthen something far bigger than themselves,” said Pat Sheridan, president and CEO at INFRA. “These award recipients remind us that independent doesn’t mean alone, it means choosing to build a stronger future together.”
Member award winners
The Cheryl Hughes Leadership Award went to Terry Brett of Kimberton Whole Foods and Sasha Galitzki of New Moon Natural Foods. Healthy Living Market received the Trail Blazer Award, and Frazier Farms Market took the Community Catalyst Award.
Six retailers earned the Small But Mighty Award: Pass Health Foods, Highland Nutrition Center, Nature’s Way Easton, Simple Foods Market, Sandra’s Café & Health Food Store and Crow Wing Food Co-op. The Retail Excellence Award went to Manna Food Co-op, Mariposa Market and Natural Health Organic Foods. Bi-Rite Market received the Equity in Action Award.
Vendor and staff awards
On the vendor side, Little Sesame was named Rookie of the Year; TCHO took the Member Champion Award; Beyond Good earned the Sustainability Stewardship Award; MyForest/MyBacon received the Leading Innovation Award; and Nordic Naturals won the Vendor Impact Award.
The INFRA staff Catalyst Award went to Sarah Super, director of growth and member adoption, The Good Collective. INFRA last October launched The Good Collective, an exclusive wellness brand created by and for independent natural retailers.