Krystal Smith of the Hannaford Supermarket on North Ave, Burlington, bested other competitors from across the country to become the 2011 National Grocers Association “Best Bagger.” The competition, sponsored by ConAgra Foods, took place February 14, 2011 during the NGA annual convention and expo at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.
Smith, an employee of Hannaford’s for the past 8 years, won the competition from a field of contestants from supermarkets around the state. District manager, Andy Willette said, “We are very proud of her performance at the competition and to see her win the crown for Vermont was special.” This was the first time a Vermonter has won the event. The morning following the competition, Krystal and her mother, Stacey, were flying to New York City for a tentative appearance on the David Letterman Show on Wednesday evening.
The contest hosted and emceed by Phil Lempert the N.G.A. SupermarketGuru and food editor for the NBC's Today Show, was held February 14, 2011 at the Mirage Hotel, at the 2011 N.G.A. Annual Convention and Supermarket Synergy Show.
The Best Bagger National Championship is a year-long, nationwide program in which the best-of-the-best grocery baggers in the country compete for great prizes and the title of America's Best Bagger. Contestants are judged on speed, bag-building technique, weight distribution between bags, and style, attitude and appearance. As the winner, Smith takes home "bagging rights" as well as a $10,000 grand prize, the coveted "Golden Grocery Bag" trophy and the Pan-Oston "Best Bagger Golden Lane" for her store. The second place winner received a prize of $5,000 and 3rd - 5th places winners received a prize of $1,000 each.
This year's winners are:
Champion: Krystal Smith, Hannaford Supermarket, Vermont
First Runner Up: Jessica Lewis, Yoke's Fresh Market, Washington
Second Runner Up: Andrew Hadlock, Macey's, Utah
Third Runner Up: Matt Medley, Lund's Food Holding, Inc., Minnesota,
Fourth Runner Up:Roland Mattox, Quality Foods of Commerce, Inc., Georgia
This year's Best Bagger Championship drew from 21 states across the country and marked the competitions 25th year anniversary. N.G.A. President Peter Larkin says this group epitomizes the dedication and work ethic of all baggers across the country. "Each year we hold this competition to shine a light on the baggers and their unending commitment to this industry. And year after year, from the state level to this national stage, they continue to embody the true values of independent grocer," Larkin said
