Las Vegas, NV – The National Grocers Association (NGA) today announced that Kristi Magnuson-Nelson, president of Hugo’s Family Marketplace, has been named 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 recognition of Kristi’s outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to independent grocers.
The Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence 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.
“Kristi embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that defines independent grocers,” said Greg Ferrara, President and CEO of the National Grocers Association. “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, Hugo’s Family Marketplace has grown into a regional leader with 15 supermarkets across North Dakota and Minnesota, serving diverse communities with a strong emphasis on quality, service, and innovation. She has guided thoughtful expansion through new store development, acquisitions from retiring independent grocers, and reinvestment in existing locations, while embracing technology, expanding fresh offerings, and strengthening local sourcing.
Beyond business growth, Nelson is recognized for her deep 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 also plays an active role within NGA, serving on the Board of Directors and supporting advocacy efforts, Women Grocers of America, and numerous NGA programs.
The Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award is presented annually to an independent grocer whose passion, persistence, and vision have made a lasting impact on the industry.
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About the National Grocers Association
NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation’s overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers’ associations, manufacturers and service suppliers.
About The NGA Show
As the premier event for the independent grocery industry, The NGA Show brings together grocery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and suppliers from across the country for three days of learning, networking, and product discovery in Las Vegas. For 2026, we’re excited to host the event at the MGM Grand Conference Center – allowing all attendees to gather under one roof for a more connected and convenient experience. Whether you’re launching your first store or leading a multi-generational grocery business, The NGA Show offers the insights, innovations, and relationships that help independent grocers thrive.
