The 2025 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

The three regional categories are:

• Americas (North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean)

• Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) (including all of Europe, the Middle East, and Northern & Southern Africa)

• Asia Pacific (APAC) (covering Central & South Asia, Northeast and Southeast Asia, Australia, and Oceania)

The Fresh Market Named 2024 Vertex Awards Retailer of the Year – Americas

The Fresh Market, a specialty grocer based in Greensboro, North Carolina, has been named the 2024 Vertex Awards Retailer of the Year for the Americas. This recognition honors the brand’s leadership in private brand innovation and its ongoing commitment to exceptional quality, design, and food culture.

Founded in 1982, The Fresh Market has grown from a single neighborhood store into a beloved retailer with more than 160 locations across 22 states. Known for its immersive shopping experience and culinary inspiration, the brand continues to set the standard for what retailer-owned brands can be.

This year, The Fresh Market earned multiple Vertex Awards, including Gold for its Chef Inspired Gourmet Popcorn and Silver for its redesigned breadcrumb packaging. The refreshed brand showcases how thoughtful design can do more than catch the eye—it can tell a story, express values, and bring a retailer’s food philosophy to life.

The new packaging reinforces and builds on The Fresh Market’s rich food culture, creating a consistent and elevated experience that speaks to quality, trust, and flavor. It’s further proof that private brands are no longer following—they’re leading.