On September 27th, The Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association (MGFPA) hosted Maine’s
Third Annual Best Bagger Championship to honor our state’s “best” grocery checkout bagger.
Congratulations to CHAMPION: Matt P. of Hannaford, 2nd Place: Samantha M. of Hannaford and 3rd place contestant: Jodi D. of Shaw’s!
Watch coverage via WCSH6 and the Sun Journal.
Bagging is a critically important step for many grocery stores as it is the last impression of the store’s attention to detail, emphasizes the employee and store’s dedication to exceptional customer service and helps ensure customers’ food gets home in perfect condition.
The nine competing best bagger contestants were judged on the national criteria which includes speed, proper bag building technique, distribution of weight between bags, style, attitude and appearance. Our 2016 Best Bagger Champion, Matt P., won an expenses paid trip to Las Vegas to represent Maine at the 2017 National Championship, held at the National Grocers Association Forum February 28 – March 2, 2017. There he will compete for a grand prize of $10,000!
Local independent grocers and Maine-based chains hosted preliminary qualifying rounds and sent their top baggers to the championship. For many, bagging is the start to a long, dedicated career in the grocery store sector. The best bagger competition shines a light on the significance of quality baggers and brings excitement and recognition to the position and industry.
The Maine Best Bagger Championship hosted by MGFPA was held in partnership with Maine’s Good Shepherd Food Bank at their Auburn warehouse. September is Hunger Action Month (TM), a nationwide initiative designed to rally the public to take action to defeat hunger. The Best Bagger Championship is one of the many events and activities taking place throughout September to raise awareness and encourage people to take action.
See more photos here!