The Minnesota Grocers Association held its 36th annual statewide Best Bagger Contest on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The first-place winner in the competition was Cole Helgeson of Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Waconia winning $500 cash, a trophy, and a trip to Las Vegas, NV to represent Minnesota at the National Grocers Association Best Bagger Championship in February 2025.

The Minnesota Grocers Association Best Bagger Cole Helgeson of Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Waconia represented Minnesota and won fourth place at the National Grocers Association Best Bagger Championship in Las Vegas, NV.

In a tight competition, this year’s Bipartisan Bag-Off winner was Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson. He was presented a trophy and $1,000 to donate to a food charity of his choice within his district.

The Minnesota Grocers Association acknowledges a lawmaker demonstrating outstanding commitment to the food industry each year. The 2025 MGA Legislator of the Year award went to Representative Liz Reyer for her leadership as the Chief House author of the MGA’s Carts to Careers bill.