Grocery retailers and industry advocates, mark your calendars! The 2025 Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) awards accept nominations until February 28, 2025. This respected awards program shines a light on the extraordinary contributions made by women in the North American grocery sector. With nearly two decades of recognition, TWIG is a cornerstone in honoring female leadership at all levels within the food retail industry.
Gender equity, inclusivity, and diversity are crucial for a thriving work environment. While significant strides have been made over the past several years, industry experts agree that there is still much work to do. The TWIG awards not only celebrate outstanding women but also inspire the next generation of female leaders. Nominees are encouraged to demonstrate above-and-beyond achievements in their roles that embody leadership, community service, and innovation.
Categories of Nomination
Nominations are open for women across various sectors of the grocery industry, including retailer, wholesaler, supplier, and solution provider communities. The program highlights achievements from March 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025, in three distinct categories:
1. Senior-Level Executives – This category is designated for women holding titles of Vice President or higher. These leaders often drive critical strategic initiatives for their organizations.
2. Rising Stars – Targeted at women in roles below Vice President and Area/Region Director, this category showcases emerging talent who show promise and have made notable contributions early in their careers.
3. Store Managers – Includes nominations for individuals holding titles such as Store Manager, Director, or Lead, recognizing those who excel in managing operations and leading teams in retail settings.
Winners will be featured in the June 2025 issue of Progressive Grocer, which will spotlight their inspirational stories. A gala dinner on November 7, 2025, will formally recognize the honorees as part of Progressive Grocer’s Grocery Impact Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Nomination Process
To nominate a standout candidate for the TWIG awards, it’s essential to follow the established guidelines. Nominators must pay a $199 entry fee for non-retail nominees and submit entries electronically via the official online application. Once submitted, applicants will receive a confirmation email, ensuring they’ve met the submission criteria.
Nominees must provide detailed information on major accomplishments—this includes innovative corporate initiatives, financial achievements, and problem-solving capacities. Moreover, nominees should include professional accolades and community service contributions. The quality of the information submitted is vital since it serves as the basis for judging and the eventual write-ups in the publication.
Past winners are invited to participate but must highlight new significant contributions made within the eligibility window. Importantly, only one nomination per individual will be accepted to maintain fairness.
Importance of Participation
Participating in the TWIG awards is more than just a recognition mechanism; it fosters mentorship, showcases role models, and reinforces the values of diversity in the workplace. Women interested in nominating themselves or their colleagues should seize this opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts made in an industry that serves millions every day.
Key Dates to Remember:
– Nomination Deadline: February 28, 2025
– Gala Dinner: November 7, 2025
– Notification for Honorees: By April 15, 2025
While striving for gender equity and examining success stories, TWIG plays a pivotal role in advancing women’s roles across the grocery sector. As we celebrate these achievements, we also inspire future leaders to pursue careers in food retail, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive industry.
Whether you’re an established leader, a rising star, or a dedicated store manager, the TWIG awards offer a platform to shine a light on your achievements. Do not miss your chance to nominate deserving candidates who exemplify excellence in the grocery sector.
Join us in celebrating these remarkable women in the grocery industry by submitting your nominations today!