David Tochinskiy of Rosauers Takes NGA Best Bagger Champion Title

2015 Best Bagger Champion Presentation (Photo: Business Wire)

LAS VEGAS--()--Defeating 24 other competitors from across North America, David Tochinskiy of Rosauers Supermarket in Spokane, WA claimed the title of the National Grocers Association (NGA) Best Bagger Champion.

Sponsored by PepsiCo, the competition was emceed this year by Food Network star, Duff Goldman, and held at The NGA Show at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Contestants are judged by speed of bagging, proper bag-building technique, weight distribution in the bag, as well as style, attitude and appearance. In addition to taking home "bagging rights" for the year, David was awarded with the $10,000 grand prize, and a coveted "Golden Grocery Bag" trophy.

Lucas Mealer of Kroger Supermarket in Jackson,Tennessee was awarded the second place prize of $5,000, and the third place prize of $1,000 went to Zach Anderson of Lunds in Bloomington Minnesota. Fourth and fifth place winners, winning $1,000 each, were Mai Her of Skogen's Festival Foods in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Francis Cavattone III of Big Y Foods in Springfield, Massachusetts, respectively.

"This competition brings attention to a very important aspect of a consumer's shopping experience as it is the bagger who serves as the last touch to the shopper. The proper bagging of groceries is key to providing quality customer service," said NGA President and CEO Peter Larkin. "A big congratulations to David Tochinskiy for showcasing your exceptional bagging techniques and ultimately taking home the title of Best Bagger Champion."

Now in its 29th year, the annual NGA Best Bagger Championship is the culminating event of a yearlong nationwide contest, in which one contestant from each participating state who has won the statewide competition is eligible to compete in the national Best Bagger Championship. This year, 25 of the top grocery baggers competed for the national Best Bagger title.

The National Grocers Association (NGA) is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for close to 1% of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating $131 billion in sales, 944,000 jobs, $30 billion in wages, and $27 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers, state grocers associations, as well as manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org

Contacts

Greg Ferrara, 703-967-4679
communications@nationalgrocers.org

Release Summary

Defeating 24 other competitors from across North America, David Tochinskiy of Rosauers Supermarket in Spokane, WA claimed the title of the National Grocers Association (NGA) Best Bagger Champion.

Contacts

Greg Ferrara, 703-967-4679
communications@nationalgrocers.org