United's Bunting to Succeed Retiring Kirby as Produce Director

The United Family has promoted Joseph Bunting to produce director, succeeding Darvel Kirby, who plans to retire effective Feb. 28 after more than two decades of service.

Kirby grew The United Family's produce department sales by more than 100 percent during his 12 years as director, according to United; he originally joined the company as produce supervisor.

“I’m proud of the team we have built over the past several years, which has allowed us to promote from within so we can carry on the operation and positive reputation of The United Family produce department in the future," Kirby said.

Bunting, who takes over as director, most recently served as produce business manager. He joined the company in 1992 as a sacker at a United Supermarkets location in Abilene, Texas.

Said Bunting of the transition: “I am extremely lucky to have worked alongside Darvel, especially as our stores transitioned from the pre-book order system and added our in-house fresh cut produce program."

Lubbock-based The United Family operates 67 stores under five banners: United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos, Albertsons Market and United Express, along with ancillary operations R.C. Taylor Distributing, Praters and Llano Logistics. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Albertson’s LLC.