NGA’s Best Bagger on ‘Letterman’

The National Grocers Association’s (NGA) 2013 Best Bagger Champion, Andrew Borracchini of Seattle-area Metropolitan Market’s Admiral store, appeared on the March 25 episode of the Late Show with David Letterman.

Beating out competitors from 23 states, Borracchini won the coveted title at the Feb. 10 competition held during the 2013 NGA Show at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Sponsored by ConAgra Foods, Pringles, Bunzl Distribution and Pan-Oston Co., the event was nationally broadcast live on UStream.

The annual competition is the culmination of a year-long nationwide program in which the country’s top grocery baggers vie for prizes and the title of America’s Best Bagger. Contestants are evaluated on speed, bag-building technique and weight distribution between bags, as well as style, attitude and appearance. The 2013 contestants used three reusable bags during the preliminary and final rounds, during which they bagged 30 to 35 items.

As the winner, Borracchini received the $10,000 grand prize, the Golden Grocery Bag trophy and the Pan-Oston Best Bagger Golden Lane, a special checkout stand that will be displayed at his store, located at 2320 42nd Ave. SW in Seattle.