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Outstanding Marketing & Merchandising in the Supermarket Industry

NGA Creative Choice Awards – Categories

Eligible campaigns/events: Nov. 1, 2024 – Oct. 31, 2025.

Each entry may be submitted into up to 3 categories.

All submissions due by Nov. 3, 2025.

Entry Window: Nov. 1, 2024 – Oct. 31, 2025
Deadline: Nov. 3, 2025
Presented by: Kellanova & Unilever
 

Marketing Categories

Digital Excellence & Omnichannel Engagement
Digital • Social • RMNs

Innovative use of social media, email, websites, apps, and retail media networks to tell your story, connect with shoppers, and drive measurable results.

Integrated Campaigns & Innovation
Multi-Channel • AI

Seamlessly blending digital, traditional, and emerging tools (including AI) into creative, results-driven marketing campaigns.

Community Engagement & Celebratory Milestones
Events • Outreach • Milestones

Recognizes outstanding efforts to connect with and give back to the community through events, seasonal promotions, outreach, sponsorships, and landmarks like grand openings, remodels, and milestone anniversaries.

Multicultural Engagement
Diverse Communities

Honors initiatives that engage and serve diverse ethnic and cultural communities, earning loyalty and celebrating the unique makeup of the neighborhoods you serve.

Brand & Talent Growth
Employer Brand

Positioning your store as both a beloved community brand and an attractive career destination for emerging grocery leaders.

Merchandising Categories

Local, Specialty & Emerging Products
Demos • Partnerships

Creative merchandising that introduces shoppers to new, local, or specialty items, supported by events, demos, or partnerships.

Fresh Innovation
Perimeter • Excitement

Standout merchandising in produce, meat/seafood, bakery, deli, prepared foods, dairy, or floral that responds to trends and drives excitement.

Center Store & Beyond
Center • Frozen • Wellness

Innovative displays and merchandising in center store, frozen, general merchandise, health/beauty, or healthy living categories.

Private Label Excellence
Store Brands

Growing store brand portfolios with exclusive, high-quality products and compelling merchandising strategies.

Cross-Department Merchandising
Themes • Seasonal

Coordinated efforts across multiple departments to create impactful, theme-driven or seasonal shopping experiences that drive bigger baskets.

Special Recognition

Cheez It Impact Award

The heart of a strong business strategy is a commitment to well-being and community impact. Share how your company invests in initiatives, partnerships, and innovations that enrich the communities you serve, promote overall well-being, and create meaningful, positive impact across the food industry. Highlight the programs, collaborations, or creative approaches that demonstrate your dedication to contributing to stronger, more connected communities.

Unilever’s People Positive Award

Retailers are on the front lines of their communities. Tell us how you’ve broken down barriers, cultivated a more inclusive environment, celebrated your staff, invited new perspectives, and elevated/developed underrepresented individuals.

Have supporting files or questions? Email ngacreativechoice@nationalgrocers.org