Liz Santamore of the Shaw’s Supermarket in Waterbury, bested other competitors to become the 2011 Vermont “Best Bagger.” The competition took place September 17 during the Vermont Food Industry’s annual convention and expo at the Miller Expo Centre at the Champlain Valley Exposition.
Santamore, an employee of Shaw’s for the past few years, won the competition from a field of contestants from supermarkets around the state. Store manager, Mike Evans said, “We are very proud of Liz’s performance at the competition and look forward to her representing Vermont at the nationals.” Her next competition will be in Las Vegas at the national contest this winter, which is held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the National Grocers Association.
Second place honors went to Samantha Hall of Price Chopper, South Burlington and third went to Catherine Allison of Price Chopper, Essex. Judges for this year’s event were three former state champions, Dawn Tye of Hannaford, 2009 Vermont Champion, Amber Jaro of Lantman’s, 2008 Vermont Champion and Amanda Bliven, formally of Shaw’s, 2007 Vermont Champion
Following the state contest, National Champion, Krystal Smith and new Vermont Champion, Liz Santamore, engaged industry members in a spirited and fun bag-off, with Santamore edging out as winner.
The Vermont Grocers' Association is a statewide organization representing approximately 680 stores and 245 suppliers to the industry. The "Best Bagger" competition was held on Saturday, September 17 and was emceed by Jason Purdy and National Champ, Krystal Smith.
