Amanda Austin of the Shaw’s Supermarket in Colchester, bested other competitors to become the 2013 Vermont “Best Bagger.” The competition took place September 27 during the Vermont Food Industry’s annual convention and expo at the Miller Expo Centre at the Champlain Valley Exposition.
Austin, 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 Amanda’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 Meghan Trahan of Mac’s Market, Essex Jct and third went to Jacob Labounty of Hannaford, Williston. Judges for this year’s event were Henry Markres, Vermont Director of Consumer Assurrance, Al Burns, Vermont Health Department Sanitarian Supervisor and State Representative Jean O’Sullivan.
The Vermont Grocers' Association is a statewide organization representing approximately 630 stores and 250 suppliers to the industry. The "Best Bagger" competition was held on Friday, September 27 and was emceed by Representative Jim Condon.