Mahlon Bruguier from Cahoy’s General Store in Lake Andes took the top prize at the South Dakota Best Bagger Competition on Saturday, September 5.
Hosted by the South Dakota Retailers and sponsored by Associated Wholesale Grocers, NW French & Associates, and Prairie Farms, eleven contestants from across the state went head-to-head to compete for the title of South Dakota’s Best Bagger.
“South Dakota is home to a number of outstanding grocers,” said SD Retailers Executive Director Nathan Sanderson. “Hosting the Best Bagger Competition at the State Fair is the perfect opportunity to showcase our state’s grocery industry – and their amazing employees – in an exciting way.”
All contestants bagged identical grocery orders and were judged on speed, bag building technique, uniform bag weight, and personal attitude and appearance. Each contestant bagged 33 items, ranging from baby food to canned soups to boxed cereals. The fastest bagging time was Brugier at one minute and eight seconds. Brugier also had the most consistent weight, having each of his three bags weigh within one pound of each other.
As the top prize winner, Bruguier received $500 cash and an expenses-paid trip to compete at the National Grocers Association’s National Competition in Las Vegas, where he has the chance to win $10,000.
“I was really surprised that I won,” said Bruguier. “I’m excited to be competing at Las Vegas. I have never been there so it will be a great time!”
Justin Ekroth of Buche Foods in Gregory took home second place and $200. “We’re incredibly proud of Mahlon and the hard work he put into this competition,” said Dan Cahoy, owner of Cahoy’s General Store. “We’re excited to cheer him on at Nationals!”