The Minnesota Grocers Association held its 34th annual statewide Best Bagger Contest Aug. 27 at MGA’s office in St. Paul, Minnesota. Contestants came from across the state to compete for the title.
The eight participants were judged on speed, style, attitude, proper bag-building technique and weight distribution between the bags. Contest attendees witnessed the art of “bagging” by some of Minnesota’s best. To showcase the food industry’s commitment to consumer choice and the well-being of the communities it serves, baggers used reusable bags.
First place went to Tyler Thorvig of Chris’ Food Center, Sandstone, winning $500 cash, a trophy and a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, to represent Minnesota at the National Grocers Association Best Bagger Championship in February.
Second place receiving a trophy and cash prize was awarded to Aidan Gallagher of Coborn’s, Sartell.
The remaining 2022 Best Bagger contestants were Stephen Brownewell from Fareway, Owatonna; Connor Downs from Hy-Vee, Eagan; Tim Talbot from Jubilee Foods, Mound; Simon Rynders, from Kowalski’s Market, Excelsior; Hattie Herdina from Lunds & Byerlys, Minnetonka; and Kennedy Joiner from Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Waconia.
Three of the eight baggers were also given Bagger Excellence Awards and a cash prize. Thorvig was also the recipient of two more awards: the “Traveler” award for traveling the longest distance to the contest, nearly 90 miles, and the “Speed” award as he bagged his two reusable bags in 54.09 seconds.
The “Balance” award was awarded to Kennedy Joiner of Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Waconia, whose two bags had only .04 pounds difference between them.
MGA is the only state trade association that represents the food industry of Minnesota. It is one of the oldest trade associations in the state, celebrating 125 years. The association has more than 300 retail, manufacture and wholesale members supporting nearly 1,300 locations statewide.
For more information, visit mngrocers.com.
