Kaylee Robison of the Hannaford Supermarket in Middlebury, bested other competitors to become the 2012 Vermont “Best Bagger.” The competition took place September 14 during the Vermont Food Industry’s annual convention and expo at the Miller Expo Centre at the Champlain Valley Exposition.
Robison, an employee of Hannaford for the past few years, won the competition from a field of contestants from supermarkets around the state. Store manager, Farah Rabidoux said, “We are very proud of Kaylee’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 Marirose Silvirea of Shaw’s, Stowe and third went to Amberly Kay Bonilla of Hannaford, Rutland. Judges for this year’s event were Lt. Governor Phil Scott, House Speaker Shap Smith and Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger.
Following the state contest, the three politician judges engaged in a spirited and fun bag-off, with Speaker Smith edging out as the winner.
The Vermont Grocers' Association is a statewide organization representing approximately 660 stores and 260 suppliers to the industry. The "Best Bagger" competition was held on Friday, September 14 and was emceed by Tim Ayer of the Noyle Johnson Insurance Agency.
