Lubbock, Texas-based TRUNO Retail Technology Solutions has named Chris St. Clair its new CEO. The company said Brad Ralston, who has served as CEO since 2011, will remain actively involved in TRUNO’s strategic planning and leadership. “Chris has lived through the challenges our customers face every day. He knows firsthand how to successfully run a […]
Category: Southwest
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southwest
West Texas Economy Growing But Still Relies On Oil/Gas Fortunes
Gary Huddleston has a rich history in the grocery business, serving nearly 45 years as director of consumer affairs at Kroger and today continuing his service as a grocery industry consultant for the Texas Retailers Association. TRA represents retail companies across Texas, including national, regional, state and main street grocery, mass, home improvement, pharmacy and […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Southwest
Viva Fresh Launches New Website To Celebrate 10th Anniversary
The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has introduced its new Viva Fresh Produce Expo website as the expo celebrates its 10th anniversary. The 2025 Viva Fresh Expo will take place April 10-12 in Houston, Texas, bringing together produce industry leaders from across North America. Founded in 2015, Viva Fresh has grown into a premier event […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Harps Food Stores, Southwest
Harps Taps Lesso As Information Systems Director
Harps Food Stores has promoted Chris Lesso to director of information systems, where he will oversee the company’s technology infrastructure and lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. Lesso’s career at Harps began in summer 1998 at Store 177 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he worked part-time as a sacker while attending high school. […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
Albertsons Market Coming To Lovington, NM
Representatives from The United Family joined city officials and other community representatives Feb. 25 to break ground on an Albertsons Market grocery store and fuel station in Lovington, New Mexico. Slated to open in 2026, it will be the first United Family location in the market. “It is always exciting to enter a new community, […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Executive News, Southwest
Tyson Foods Promotes Cole, Stewart As Part of Development, Succession Planning Process
Tyson Foods Inc. has promoted Devin Cole and Brady Stewart as part of its development and succession planning process. The company said Cole’s and Stewart’s leadership has been instrumental in helping fortify its foundation, build brands and grow globally, strategic pillars they will continue to focus on in their new roles. Cole has been named […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Natural Grocers, Southwest
Natural Grocers Introduces Private Label Organic Raw Tepache, Kombucha
Natural Grocers has introduced organic kombucha and organic raw tepache to its private-label lineup, both brewed with Certified Colorado Rocky Mountain Spring Water and flavored with organic fruit juices. The Natural Grocers Brand Organic Raw Kombucha is fermented with tea sourced from the foothills of the Himalayas and combined with organic evaporated cane sugar and organic […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Southwest
HAC Inc. Adds Local Express’ Made-To-Order Solutions To Stores
HAC Inc. is deploying Local Express’ made-to-order omnichannel solution at 36 Homeland and 11 United stores in Oklahoma and Texas to modernize their prepared foods, catering and foodservices operations. HAC Inc. shoppers can place orders for holiday family meals, party trays, vegetable and seafood platters and butcher bundles. The Local Express system also enables the […]