NGA reveals 2023 Creative Choice Awards winners

The National Grocers Association (NGA) and sponsor partners The Kellogg Co. and Unilever revealed on Monday the winners of the 2023 Creative Choice Award winners, which recognizes the best marketing and merchandising programs in the grocery industry.

“Independent community grocers continue to raise the bar in the creative ways they engage with their customers,” said Laura Strange, NGA’s senior VP of communications and external affairs, in a statement. “Independents are truly the industry’s most innovative marketers as they create campaigns that not only resonate with consumers but celebrate their roles in their respective communities.”

Winners will be recognized later this month at the NGA Show’s “Snack and See: Creative Choice Awards” session on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas. Industry veteran Meg Major will serve as emcee of the awards presentation and moderator of the winners’ panel discussion at this year's show.

Judged by a panel of industry experts and trade press members, entries were accepted into eight categories in which one winner and at least one honorable mention were chosen. This year, NGA received nearly 400 award entries and judges selected category winners based on: creativity, clarity, innovation and effectiveness. Two special recognition award winners were also selected.

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 Feb. 27. 

Here are the winners, by category:

Connections Through Omnichiannel 

1- to 15-stores winner – Hitchcock’s Markets Omnichannel Experience 

15-plus stores winner – Allegiance Retail Services/Foodtown $9 a Day Challenge

Community Engagement

1- to 15-stores winner – Briar Patch PatchWorks 

15-plus stores winner – Needler’s Fresh Market Local Food Fest 

Traditional Media: TV, Radio and Print

1- to 15-stores winner – Newport Avenue Market We're Worth the Detour 

15-plus stores winner – Cub Foods Title IX 50th Anniversary Commercial 

Grand Opening or Remodel

1- to 15-stores winner – Bristol Farms Newfound Market Grand Opening Celebration 

15-plus stores winner – Food City Cookeville Campaign  

Local, Specialty or Emerging Products

1- to 15-stores winner – Metcalfe’s Markets We Love Local Sale 

15-plus stores winner – Niemann Foods Hey Clay Fruit and Veg Friends Promotion 

Seasonal Event

1- to 15-stores winner – Neiman’s Family Market Hal of a Shrimp Show 

15-plus stores winner – Coborn’s Valentine’s Day

Center Store/Frozen/GM/HBC

1- to 15-stores winner – Chris’ Food Center Frozen Food Month Never Let It Go 

15-plus stores winner – Pyramid Foods Show Me Beef

Fresh Departments

1- to 15-stores winner – Dorothy Lane Market BaconFest   

15-plus stores winner – Freson Bros. Charlie’s Birthday 

Special Recognition

Excellence in ESG Award, presented by Kellogg’s –Coborn’s Inclusive Playground

People Positive Award, presented by Unilever – Coborn’s Women’s History Month