The Alabama Grocers Association welcomed grocery industry leaders from across Alabama and the Southeast to the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Florida, July 6-9 for its 2026 Annual Show. This year’s event carried the patriotic theme “Stars, Stripes and Celebration.”
Attendees took in two days of educational programming led by nationally recognized experts. Sessions covered federal legislative priorities, artificial intelligence, litigation and risk prevention, supply chain innovation, consumer trends surrounding GLP-1 medications and the outlook for the grocery industry. Featured speakers included U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, along with Michael Sansolo, Paul DeMarco, Paul Burnett, Dr. Glenn Richey, Jon Cline and Rachael Gideo.
“The Annual Show fulfills our mission of bringing grocers to the Table,” said Ellie Taylor, president and CEO of the Alabama Grocers Association. “Beyond the educational sessions and business opportunities, what makes AGA special is the sense of family.”
Best Bagger competition added new contest
The Welcome Dinner featured the annual Best Bagger Competition along with the inaugural Boss Best Bagger Competition, a new event in which industry leaders stepped behind the checkout lane. Hope Golden of K-VA-T/Food City earned the title of 2026 Alabama Best Bagger Champion and will represent the state at the National Grocers Association Best Bagger Championship. Abigail Sikes of Greer’s Markets and Dorothy Elaine Pierce of Rouses Market also competed.
In the inaugural Boss Best Bagger Competition, Brett Bennett of Publix Super Markets captured the first-ever title, competing against Andrew Virciglio of Piggly Wiggly Birmingham and Bubba Lindley of Edlinco.
Fundraising and awards
During the Welcome Dinner, attendees raised more than $24,000 for the Alabama Grocers Education Foundation through its Fund the Future campaign, supporting scholarships and workforce development programs. The sold-out Exhibit Hall featured displays honoring America’s 250th birthday, with Best Decorated Booth awards going to Alabama Crown Distributing Company and Utz/Golden Flake.
The event concluded with the Chairman’s Banquet, featuring a performance by Alabama native and “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks. The association presented its Spirit of Alabama Award to Chris Crosby of Utz/Golden Flake, who has served on the AGA board of directors since 2018 and recently completed his term as VP of convention.
The 2027 AGA Annual Show is scheduled for July 25-28 at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
The Alabama Grocers Association has represented the state’s grocery retail industry since 1990. Its membership includes 100 retail members operating more than 750 stores, along with more than 215 manufacturers, brokers, wholesalers and other members.
2026 AGA Annual Show
