The 2026 edition of the Vertex Awards continues our mission to honor the very best in package design for Retailer-owned Brands around the world. With hundreds of entries from more than 50 countries, the competition reflects the creativity, innovation, and strategy driving this dynamic global industry.

As part of our global recognition, we award Agency of the Year in three regions, spotlighting the studios, agencies, and in-house teams that earn the highest total point scores across all categories:

• Best of Show = 10 points

• Publisher’s Choice = 7 points

• Gold = 5 points

• Silver = 3 points

• Bronze = 1 point

Albert Heijn Named 2026 Vertex Awards Retailer of the Year – Europe & Africa

Albert Heijn has been named the 2026 Vertex Awards Retailer of the Year – Europe & Africa, honoring one of the most influential and forward-thinking retailers in the global grocery industry.

Owned by international retail group Ahold Delhaize, Albert Heijn has spent decades shaping how European consumers experience food retail. Founded in the Netherlands in 1887, the company has evolved from a local grocery store into a market-leading retailer known for combining innovation, accessibility, and strong brand identity at scale.

What makes Albert Heijn stand out is its ability to make retailer-owned brands feel contemporary, useful, and deeply connected to everyday life. The retailer consistently brings a sharp point of view to packaging, product development, merchandising, and customer experience without losing the practicality shoppers expect from a neighborhood grocer.

Its retailer-owned brands are not built around imitation. They are built around identity. From premium offerings to health-focused products and everyday essentials, Albert Heijn has created brands that feel intentional, recognizable, and relevant to modern consumers.

That clarity and consistency have helped Albert Heijn become a benchmark for retailer-owned brand development across Europe. The company understands that strong design is not just about aesthetics. It is about making products easier to shop, easier to trust, and more meaningful to the customer standing in the aisle.

Being named the 2026 Vertex Awards Retailer of the Year – Europe & Africa recognizes Albert Heijn’s continued leadership and the role it continues to play in pushing retailer-owned brands forward on the global stage.