Last updated on August 1st, 2017 at 04:05 pm
The Florida Grocers Association (FGA) recently held its first best bagger competition. Eight baggers competed, representing Bravo Supermarkets, Lucky’s Market, Publix, Sedano’s and Winn-Dixie.
Kelina Salinas of Lucky’s won the $1,000 grand prize along with an all-expense paid trip to represent Florida and compete for a $10,000 grand prize at the National Grocers Association National Best Bagger Championship in February in Las Vegas. Josue Anelus of Publix (Miami Division) came in second, and JP Paiva of Publix (Lakeland Division) placed third. They received $500 and $250, respectively.
Contestants were judged by speed of bagging, proper bag-building technique and weight distribution in the bag, as well as style, attitude and appearance. All stores were encouraged to do their own in-store competition and then send their best bagger to the Florida competition, held July 23 during FGA’s Sunshine Expo. Family, friends, cheer teams and fellow workers were in attendance to cheer on their favorite contestant.
“We were thrilled with the interest and participation from our grocery members for our first-ever best bagger competition as well as the excitement of the audience during the event,” said FGA Executive Director Josie Correa. “I want to congratulate all of the contestants for participating in this inaugural event, and we look forward to supporting Kelina and cheering her on as she represents the state of Florida at the national championships in February.”
Awards were presented by Correa and Florida Retail Federation (FRF) President & CEO R. Scott Shalley. FGA is an arm of the FRF; FGA was launched in 2015 to provide a voice and identity to the state’s $45 billion grocery industry. FGA’s goal is to advocate for its members at the local, state and national level while serving the needs of the more than 2,300 grocery stores and their industry partners statewide.
