NGA Announces 2026 Creative Choice Awards Winners

Program Supported by Cheez-It and Unilever, Recognizes Best Marketing and Merchandising Programs in the Independent Grocery Industry

Washington, D.C. – 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.”

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.