That’s Andrew Borracchini of Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) in The Admiral District, at the national grocery-bagging finals in Las Vegas this past February; we’ve just learned he’ll be in the finals next February too. For the second consecutive year, he’s won the state title for “Best Bagger.” Here’s the official announcement we received this morning:

Andrew Borracchini, an 18-year-old grocery bagger from West Seattle’s Metropolitan Market, just bagged the championship in the Washington State Best Bagger competition for the second year in a row. Andrew competed and won against 11 other contestants from across the state for the $1500 cash prize and an all-expense paid trip to compete at the national Best Bagger taking place in Las Vegas in February 2013.

The national Best Bagger contest, sponsored by the National Grocers Association (NGA), is a year-long, nationwide program and an exciting competitive event that honors the best grocery baggers in the country. Contestants are judged on speed, proper bagging techniques, and great customer service.

The State Championship, which was hosted by the Washington Food Industry Association and emceed by John Keister of Almost Live!, proved as lively as ever as the annual event was held at the Tacoma Convention Center yesterday, October 25th, 2012.

The annual State Finals gather Washington’s top baggers, who have qualified to compete after multi-round competitions within their own stores among employees. The carefully selected baggers who compete at the Best Bagger State Championship get a taste of the pressure the winner of the high-speed event will face at nationals. Since Andrew will be returning to represent his home state of Washington he says he is extremely excited for the chance at a rematch.

“Vegas, here we come!” he shouted after the State Championship on Thursday. When asked about his strategy at nationals, he said he will be employing the same technique of speed and strategy. “Not doing much differently, just working harder.”

His Store Manager Glen Hasstedt, who has also previously trained Andrew’s brother and sister at Metropolitan Market, urges Andrew to “stay grounded and do your work, do not get overwhelmed.” He adds that this year Andrew has “a great shot, and is supported by his great family.”

The Borracchini family, longtime members of Seattle’s grocery industry own Borracchini Bakery, a favorite among Seattle residents since its founding in 1922.

Metropolitan Market stores are led by Store President Terry Halverson, a member of the Board of directors of the Washington Food Industry Association —the non-profit organization that annually sponsors the Washington State Best Bagger and represents members of the independent, local food industry.