Fresh Market Bagger Wins State Bagging Competition 

 Bagger Returns to Layton with Grocery’s Premier Prize 

Makenzie Wood, a bagger from Fresh Market in Layton, Utah took first place at the Utah Food Industry Association’s best bagger competition held at the Davis Conference center on August 6. 

 “I’m really excited and proud of my work,” said Makenzie. “It really brings a sense of pride to our store and I’m thrilled to represent our team in Las Vegas.” 

During the competition, baggers are judged and receive points in four areas: speed (10 points), proper bag building technique (10 points), distribution of weight between bags (5 points), style, attitude and appearance (5 points). 

“We are so proud of our baggers this year,” said Candice Fischer, CRM director. “They were a great representation of our company and everyone was prepared and competed well.”  

Makenzie, who has worked at Fresh Market for three years, received especially high marks on her bagging technique as well as weight distribution. Her fun personality also helped score important style points on her way to the $500 prize and winner’s trophy.

“The best bagger competition is a celebration of one of the most important touch points with shoppers,” said Tim Conner, senior vice president of team services at AFS. 

Megan Torres, from Macey’s in Pleasant Grove came in second place and won $300. Macey’s baggers Aero Fratto from Olympus (best weight distribution) and Leila Bloomfield from Orem (fastest speed) were also recognized for their bagging prowess.  

“It was amazing to host these competitors at the state bagging contest,” said Dave Davis, UFIA. “Baggers are critical to providing our members’ customers with a complete shopping experience. The state bagging contest is all about recognizing and celebrating their important contributions. We are excited that Makenzie will be able to represent the state of Utah at the National Best Bagger contest in Las Vegas. We know she will be an outstanding ambassador for our state, and for Fresh Market.”  

The national competition is held by the National Grocer’s Association in February each year. Watch of a video showing Makenzie and other participants in next week’s Team News.