History of the Best Bagger Competition
Bagging has been an important step for many supermarket employees who have pursued long and rewarding careers in the grocery industry. The National Grocers Association Best Bagger Championship features retailers with infectious company pride and an enthusiastic commitment to customer service.
The first Best Bagging contest was held in 1987 in Dallas, TX. The “Texas – Oklahoma Checkout Shootout” featured two contestants and former NFL Quarterback Terry Bradshaw as the emcee. Since then, NGA has branded and grown the event to feature more than 25 state bagging contestants.
2026 National Championship
Congratulations to 2026 Best Bagger Champion Rocco Cammarota of Publix Markets in Georgia!
Save the Date!
2027 Best Bagger National Championship
The 2027 NGA Show
January 31 – February 2nd, 2027
MGM Grand Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV
Sponsored by:
Cheer on your state’s bagger as NGA celebrates over 30 years of bagging excellence at The NGA Show! Elite baggers from across the country vie for the championship title and a $10,000 cash prize during the evening event.
2025/2026 State Competitions and Winners
Elizabeth Ripperdan
Publix Super Markets
Marcus Kiesling
Nugget Market
Rocco Cammarota
Publix Super Markets
Brady Diercks
Fareway Stores
Blaine Leyden
Fareway Stores
Kentucky
Gabriel Bowling
K-VA-T Food Stores
Heitor Silva De Sousa
Big Y
Laura Sergeant
Kowalski’s Markets
Missouri
Teahen Duitsman
Cosentino’s Price Chopper
Austin Kollasch
Fareway Stores
Drake Crumley
Buehler’s Fresh Foods
Hannah Regan
Dave’s Fresh Marketplace
Sarah Mehaney
S&C Foods
Utah
Makenzie Wood
Fresh Market
South Dakota
Kristen Hermes
Don’s Food Center
Virginia
Tyler Stacy
K-VA-T Food Stores
Washington State
Michael Le
Rosauers Supermarkets
Wisconsin
Vicheka Oum
Woodman’s Food Markets
Best Bagger Handbook
Click below to view the Best Bagger Handbook outlining the official eligibility requirements, rules, and regulations for the National Championship.
Connect with us on Social Media
Excited to see your state represented in the National Best Bagger contest? Use the hashtags, #BestBagger to share with the world why your state’s contestant deserves to win the crown and take home bagging rights!
Interested in Hosting a Best Bagger Competition?
Please contact the NGA Best Bagger Coordinator at bestbagger@nationalgrocers.org.
