AMSTERDAM -- Food retailer Royal Ahold said a period of repositioning is over and "now it is time to grow," and that it will look in 2010 to rolling out new store formats including c-stores. The Dutch company previously operated the Golden Gallon, Wilson Farms, Sugarcreek and Tops Xpress chains, but got out of convenience retailing by 2005. In April 2009, it launched the Giant To Go c-store concept.

HOUSTON -- The Texas Department of Agriculture is investigating 16 Houston-area gas stations for allegedly mixing lower-octane gas with higher-octane gas, reported KHOU-TV. The state launched its investigation after the news outlet told the agency about fuel delivery invoices that show "leftover" lower-octane fuel was put into higher-octane tanks.

DALLAS -- 7-Eleven has added chief marketing officer to marketing vice president Rita Bargerhuff's title and responsibilities. In her new role, she will serve on the company's executive committee and report directly to president and CEO Joe DePinto.