, Golden Spoon Awards 2026 Categories - India Food Forum

22-23 Sept 2026

Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai

Assessment Period: 15 November 2025 to 15 September 2026

Entry Closes on 26 August 2026

(The entrant can participate in more than one award category if qualifies as per eligibility criteria and meets the definition of concerned award category)

Who can nominate: Food & Grocery Retail Chains & Brands, Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Gourmet Stores, Independent Grocers, Kiosks/ Express Formats or Any other Speciality F&G Brands and Retailer.

Across Channels: Brick and Mortar, e-retail, Multi/ Omni Channel Retail

(The entrant can participate in more than one award category if qualifies as per eligibility criteria and meets the definition of concerned award category)

An organic food and grocery retailer that primarily sells organic products, including fruits, vegetables, grains, oils, spices, dairy, and meats, demonstrates a commitment to meeting specific organic standards.

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A Success Story of ONE Specific Store operational since 1st Jan, 2024 or before having shown outstanding performance in terms of per sq.ft. sales leading to the particular outlet’s financial revenue.
An outlet that has previously been recognized by GSA / FSA in this category is not eligible for nomination again in the same category for the same outlet. However, a different outlet may be nominated. The nominated outlet must have been in operation for at least the past three years.

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2026 success stories of collaboration between Food & Grocery brands and retailers in building new consumption/ product categories or transforming a traditional category with innovation – with details of execution and results in terms of creating differentiation, customer or multi stakeholder engagement, increased sales/ consumption with positive feedback/ coverage/ and recognition.

LIVE Presentation of Success Stories to the On-Ground Jury @Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai on 22 September 2026. "Nomination processing fees for this category is Rs. 10,000 + GST"

(The 3 minutes presentations by Finalists can be made by screening a Video or PPT showcasing the concept, execution and results/ information asked for in nomination form – specific to Assessment Period. The AV/ video to be in 16:9 ratio to be played in VLC player during the grand jury presentation on 22 Sep 2026).

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An outstanding story of retail business transformation in 2026 with details of planning, execution strategy, implementation stages and payoffs/ results.

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Food and grocery retailers who have successfully implemented a unique innovation or idea in retail design, merchandising, display, and presentation unveiled in the year 2026.

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(Assessment period:15 November 2025 to 15 September 2026)
A food & grocery retailer illustrating achievements in effective marketing campaigns, conducted jointly with brand or individually, leading to store footfall and sales increases:

• Discount Sales Campaign

• Celebrity Endorsement

• Festival Campaign

• Mass Media Campaign (either print / radio/ TV or any other mass media)

• Multi-Media Campaign

• Social Cause Campaign

• Digital Campaign

• Launch Campaign

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A food & grocery retailer who have effectively implemented and leveraged strategies to create a better Customer Experience and loyalty during the year 2026.

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Employee Practice: A food & grocery retailer who has conducted the most effective employee practices during the year to maximize employee performance to achieve employer's strategic objectives.

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A Food & Grocery Retailer showcasing achievements in social responsibility through impactful initiatives in areas such as:

  1. Environmental Sustainability
  2. Community Development (e.g., healthcare, education, rural development)
  3. Employee Welfare (health programs, diversity, training)
  4. Ethical Business Practices (fair trade, responsible marketing)
  5. Philanthropy (charity, donations, social causes)
  6. Consumer Welfare/Engagement
  7. Waste Management
  8. Transportation & Logistics (EV charging stations, green fleets, bike-friendly infrastructure).

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A store launch in 2026, having drawn significant consumer, industry and media attention.

Nominations may be filed in multiple categories by Food & Grocery Brands and retailers in the following categories:

  1. Debut Store
  2. New Store
  3. Flagship Store
  4. Concept

A Brand that has previously been recognized by GSA / FSA in the Brand Debut of the year category is not eligible for nomination again in the same category for the brand.
An Outlet that has previously been recognized by GSA / FSA in the Launch of the year category is not eligible for nomination again in the same category for the outlet.

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An outstanding story of market expansion in 2026 on the following parameter:

  1. New Market Penetration
  2. Trading Area Growth
  3. Store Count Augmentation
  4. Acquisition of New Customer Segments

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Category leaders having shown outstanding performance in developing their respective categories - managing the same category in the same organisation throughout the assessment period..

Nominations may be filed in multiple categories by retailers and or Category Heads / Managers in the following categories:

  1. Beverages
  2. Confectionery
  3. Dairy
  4. Fresh Produce
  5. Frozen & Ready to Cook/ Eat
  6. International Foods
  7. Meat, Fish & Livestock
  8. Snacks & Savouries
  9. Staples
  10. Others (please specify)

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The Quick Commerce Food & Grocery Retail Aggregator has demonstrated exceptional service by offering a platform or service that enables the efficient aggregation and prompt delivery of food and grocery items to customers within a short timeframe.

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A Concession Counter, food kiosk or snack bar that is contiguous with the counters of multiple food vendors and provides a common area for purchase of snacks or food at a cinema, amusement park, zoo, aquarium, circus, fair, stadium, beach, swimming pool, concert, sporting event, or other entertainment venue.

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