Last updated on February 14th, 2014 at 02:36 pm
Defeating 26 other competitors from across the nation, Andrew Hadlock, a bagger from Macey’s grocery store in Sandy, Utah, claimed the title of National Grocers Association (NGA) Best Bagger Champion.
The contest, in its 28th year, with a new title sponsor, PepsiCo, and supporting sponsors Bunzl and Pan-Oston, was held Tuesday during the 2014 NGA Show at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Contestants were judged by speed of bagging, proper bag-building technique, weight distribution in the bag as well as style, attitude and appearance.
In addition to taking home “bagging rights” for the year, Hadlock was awarded with the $10,000 grand prize, a “Golden Grocery Bag” trophy and the Pan-Oston “Best Bagger Golden Lane,” a special checkout stand that will be installed in his store.
Cassandra DeMoura of Stop & Shop in Massachusetts was awarded the second place prize of $5,000, and the third place prize of $1,000 went to Jennifer “Mackenzie” Malicoat of Cosentino’s Price Chopper in Missouri. Fourth and fifth place winners, winning $1,000 each, were Sarah Morris of Giant Eagle and Dewayne Blair of Food City in Kentucky, respectively.
“I’d like to thank all of our Best Bagger participants for another exciting competition,” said Peter J. Larkin, president and CEO of NGA. “Congratulations to Andrew, who showcased his superior bagging techniques, as well as his commitment to exceptional customer service.”
The annual Best Bagger Championship is the culminating event of a yearlong nationwide contest, in which one contestant from each participating state who has won the statewide competition is eligible to compete in the national Best Bagger Championship. This year, 27 of the top grocery baggers competed for the national Best Bagger title.
In related news, NGA revealed its Creative Choice Awards “Best of Show” winners this week. Go here to check out the winners, and visit theshelbyreport.com for more 2014 NGA Show news.
