Alex Spears, courtesy clerk for the Food City® in Paintsville, KY recently won the Kentucky Best Bagger competition. The contest included 12 contestants and took place on October 24th in Hazard, Kentucky. Spears received a $1,500 cash prize, championship belt, and an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas, NV, where he will compete for the national title at the National Grocer’s Association Convention in February. 

“NGA hosts a premier event featuring only the most talented baggers from across the country. It’s a tremendous honor to qualify as a participant. Food City® is extremely proud to be represented by such an outstanding, talented young individual. Alex is an asset to our company and our region,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City® president and chief executive officer. 

Each year, National Grocer’s Association hosts their annual Best Bagger Competition during their annual convention. Baggers from across the nation compete for the coveted title of “America’s Best Bagger.” The 2027 convention will take place in February in Las Vegas, NV. Contestants are judged on speed, bag-building technique, weight distribution between bags, style, attitude, and appearance. 

According to NGA, “Bagging has been an important step for many supermarket employees who have pursued long and rewarding careers in the grocery industry. The National Grocers Association Best Bagger Championship features retailers with infectious company pride and an enthusiastic commitment to customer service. The first Best Bagging contest was held in 1987 in Dallas, TX. The “Texas – Oklahoma Checkout Shootout” featured two contestants and former NFL Quarterback Terry Bradshaw as the emcee. Since then, NGA has branded and grown the event to feature more than 25 state bagging contestants.” For more information, visit their website at www.nationalgrocers.org. 

Pictured Left to Right:

Debbie Johnson - Food City Store Manager

Jayde Williams - Food City Head Cashier

Alex Spears - Food City Courtesy Clerk & Kentucky Best Bagger Winner

Casey Prater - Food City Human Relations Coordinator

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 163 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama. For information on other Food City initiatives, visit their website at foodcity.com.