The National Grocers Association, the trade association representing the independent grocery industry, announced Alexa Sobsey as the 2022 Best Bagger Champion.
The contest, sponsored by PepsiCo, was held on the second day of The NGA Show, which brings together independent retailers and wholesalers, food retail industry executives, food/CPG manufacturers and service provides for unparalleled opportunities to learn, engage, share, network and innovate.
“Bagging is an essential part of a positive customer experience at grocery stores in communities across the country. While often overlooked, bagging is the last impression left upon a customer when they leave a store and head home,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO. “It was great to see these baggers compete once again during The NGA Show. It’s always a rewarding experience to get together and celebrate our industry with this fun and exciting event, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic as America’s independent community grocers served on the front lines. I congratulate Alexa on her victory and I’m already looking forward to 2023 when we will be back in Las Vegas for another outstanding event!”
The results of the competition were as follows:
• Winner: Alexa Sobsey, Nugget Markets (California);
• Second Runner Up: Justin Dea, Macey’s (Utah);
• Third Runner Up: Destiny Edwards, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. (Virginia);
• Fourth Runner Up: Justin Marshall, Kowalski’s Market (Minnesota); and
• Fifth Runner Up: Morgan Spears, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. (Kentucky).
For the second time, this year’s competition featured an executive round that pitted independent grocery’s c-suite leaders against each other in a checkout lane showdown. This year’s contestants included the following:
• Greg Ferrara, NGA President and CEO;
• Ted Balistreri – Owner, Sendik’s Food Market (NGA chairman of the board);
• Chris Yemma – Senior Director, Industry Relations + Commercial Communications at PepsiCo; and
• Nisha Patel – Managing Director, Mt.Plymouth IGA Fresh Market.
