Castle Retail Group names Ryan Harte VP of perishables

Castle Retail Group appointed Ryan Harte as vice president/director of perishables to lead fresh food strategy across meat, produce, dairy and other departments. The move puts a longtime food industry executive in charge of buying, merchandising and supplier relationships as the retailer works to manage higher grocery costs and protect value for Mid-South shoppers.

Why it matters: - Castle Retail Group is putting fresh foods at the center of its strategy as grocery costs keep rising, especially in meat. - Harte’s role covers categories that directly shape store traffic, customer perception and price competitiveness. - The appointment also signals a push to deepen supplier ties and support the retailer’s neighborhood-focused model.

What happened: - Castle Retail Group named Ryan Harte vice president/director of perishables. - Harte will lead the company’s fresh food strategy across meat, produce, dairy and other perishable departments. - He will oversee purchasing, merchandising and supplier relationships for the company’s perishable categories. - Harte will work with store leadership to keep products high-quality and prices competitive. - The announcement was made in Memphis, Tennessee, on Sept. 9, 2026.

The details: - Harte is a lifelong Memphian and University of Memphis graduate. - He brings more than 15 years of food manufacturing experience to Castle Retail Group. - Harte spent over 15 years with Monogram Foods before joining Castle Retail Group. - His near-term focus is helping navigate rising food costs, particularly in meat. - Castle Retail Group says Harte will also look for new ways to bring value, freshness and innovation to stores. - Harte said his goal is to provide customers with the best products at the best prices. - Harte said strong supplier relationships and his career experience can help ease grocery costs for families. - Harte said Castle Retail Group’s family-run culture and community focus were key reasons for joining. - Harte said first-time shoppers should see full, fresh shelves, high-quality meat including Certified Angus Beef, local farmer partnerships and friendly employees. - Outside work, Harte spends time with his twin children, explores Memphis parks and pools, and cheers on the Memphis Tigers.

Between the lines: - The hire suggests Castle Retail Group wants more control over the categories that can most quickly affect margin and customer loyalty. - Harte’s background across operations, finance, marketing, research and development, and sales gives the retailer a broader view of the food business than a narrow buying-only profile. - Emphasis on local farmers and branded beef points to a strategy that mixes value with premium and local sourcing.

What's next: - Harte will focus on building new supplier relationships and introducing new brands and products. - Castle Retail Group plans to keep investing in fresh foods, local communities and customer service. - The company is positioning its fresh departments as a key part of its growth and value proposition.

The bottom line: - Castle Retail Group is betting that stronger perishables leadership can help it deliver fresher stores, better pricing and a sharper customer experience.