SAN ANTONIO — H.E. Butt Grocery Co. here is hosting a series of personal appearances by Cristina Sosa Noriega, an artist who created images that appear on a line of Hispanic-themed tabletop housewares items and other general merchandise the chain debuted this month. The line is called “My Loteria by Cristina Sosa Noriega.” Her most recent appearance was yesterday at H-E-B’s newest Plus! store in Laredo, Texas, following other stops at H-E-B stores during the weekend in San Juan, Mission and Rio Grande City, all in Texas. The images come from an updated version of a bingo game, called “My Loteria,” which the retailer also sells for $2.49. Among the items in the program, from supplier Sandy USA, Springfield, Mo., are ceramic platters and jars, stoneware mugs and plates, porcelain magnets, and grilling accessories. H-E-B declined to comment. The program “allows grocers the opportunity to build a branded presence, which will protect their margins while enhancing their quality image,” said Robert Nocera, chief executive officer of Sandy USA.
— Dan Alaimo