The National Grocers Association (NGA), the nation’s leading trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, along with sponsoring partners Cheez-It and Unilever, has announced the winners of the annual Creative Choice Awards that will be presented during The NGA Show (February 1-3) at the MGM Grand Conference Center.
The awards, which recognize the top marketing and merchandising programs in the independent grocery industry, will be presented during a Unilever & Cheez-It–sponsored session on February 1.
“Independent grocers continue to raise the bar for what’s possible in marketing and merchandising,” said Laura Strange, NGA Chief Communications & Engagement Officer & 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.”
Related Article: The NGA Show 2026: New Programs and Features Announced
2026 NGA Creative Choice Merchandising Award Winners
Local, Specialty & Emerging Products
- Retailer with 15 Stores or Less:
Bianchini’s Market — “Love Local: A Taste of Place” - 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
2026 Creative Choice 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 & 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 by the independent supermarket community and their supporters through online voting, open now through February 1 at 6 AM. Votes can be cast here.