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.
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.