Las Vegas, Nev., Feb. 11, 2010 – Kyle Perry, 19, from Osceola, Ind. won the title of Best Bagger Champion at this year’s National Grocers Association (N.G.A.) Best Bagger Championship presented by ConAgra Foods. Perry squeezed out a victory over four other semifinalists and 23 total finalists to win the event.
 
"Supermarket Guru" Phil Lempert served as emcee of the bagging showdown at the Paris Las Vegas on Thursday afternoon, where baggers from around the country were rated on speed, bag-building technique, weight distribution between bags, style, attitude and appearance. Perry not only claims the "bagging rights," he also took home a $10,000 prize and the coveted "Golden Grocery Bag" trophy.
 
"I never thought bagging groceries could end up being this big of a deal," Perry said. He said he plans to buy new tires for his car and put the rest of the prize money toward his college tuition.
 
Perry beat out Danny Goodwin of Georgia, who claimed 2nd place and a $5,000 prize. Other top finishers included: Andrew Hadlock representing Utah; David Williams of Kentucky; and the only female top finisher, Arcola Pointer from New York, all of whom took home $1,000 for their efforts. ConAgra Foods increased the prize pool for the winners in this year’s competition.
 
Twenty three states were represented at this year’s Best Bagger Championship, a group that N.G.A. President Frank DiPasquale says was representative of the collective spirit and work ethic of the baggers across the country.
 
"With this competition, we aim to celebrate the bagger and the Independent Grocer. Watching the baggers compete with such enthusiasm, year after year, continues to reaffirm their commitments to this industry," said DiPasquale.

And still put new tires on his car.