OKEMOS, MI - The 2025 Michigan Asparagus season is officially underway, bringing thick, tender spears with exceptional flavor to market. Growers across the state are reporting excellent quality, just in time for consumers looking to incorporate fresh, locally grown vegetables into their meals.

With over 100 farm families dedicated to producing high-quality asparagus for markets across the United States, Michigan continues to lead the charge in meeting the demands of today’s shoppers. In response to the continued evolution of consumer behavior since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board (MAAB) is implementing a marketing campaign that bridges the digital and in-store experience.

“Our 2025 campaign is designed to meet consumers where they are – whether online, in-store, or on-screen,” said Jamie Clover Adams, Executive Director of MAAB, in a recent press release. “Michigan asparagus deserves to be the centerpiece of the plate this season, and our strategy reflects that.”

This year’s integrated campaign includes trade advertising, daily social media content, influencer collaborations, newsletters, recipe development, connected TV (CTV) advertising, and a retail program. These efforts aim to boost awareness of Michigan asparagus’ seasonality, availability, and culinary versatility across a wide range of consumers.

“Michigan asparagus is nutritious, flavorful, and incredibly versatile,” said Sarah Greiner, Chair of the MAAB. “By building visibility and supporting local retail programs, growers are confident that “locally grown, locally sold” will ensure consumers actively seek out Michigan-grown asparagus in stores.”

The influencer program includes an in-person farm tour, recipe development, and educational videos touting the fresh and flavorful attributes of Michigan asparagus. Participating creators span nutrition, culinary, and lifestyle categories, collectively reaching an audience of more than 2.2 million followers.

To further amplify the message, CTV advertising will run on Hulu and across the Disney streaming portfolio, using a lighthearted 15-second video to let consumers know Michigan asparagus is available now. This tactic is designed to resonate with health-conscious and lifestyle-driven households.

Retailers are encouraged to contact MAAB for point-of-sale (POS) materials to support their own promotional efforts. These materials are part of a broader marketing strategy designed to increase visibility and drive sales through in-store and digital channels.

With health and wellness, sustainability, and local sourcing continuing to shape consumer decisions, “buy local” and “Michigan grown” messaging remains a powerful way for retailers to elevate Michigan asparagus and attract engaged, value-driven customers.

SCHENECTADY, NY - Northeast Grocery, Inc., the parent company of Market 32, Price Chopper, and Tops Friendly Markets, has partnered with DoorDash, a leading global platform for local commerce, to launch on-demand grocery delivery at nearly 260 stores across the Northeast. Customers can now order over 150,000 items—including fresh groceries, household essentials, and prepared meals—delivered on-demand through the DoorDash app or website.

“This partnership is about meeting evolving customer expectations while staying true to our local roots,” said John Persons, CEO of Northeast Grocery, Inc. “By partnering with DoorDash, we’re adding a layer of convenience that complements the quality, value, and service Market 32, Price Chopper, and Tops are known for. It’s an exciting next step in our e-commerce growth and a powerful opportunity to deepen our relationship with shoppers while reaching even more customers across Northeast Grocery’s six-state footprint.”

The partnership reflects Northeast Grocery’s broader strategy to diversify e-commerce platforms, improve accessibility, and expand digital reach, particularly during peak mealtimes and evenings when customers are looking for fast, convenient solutions.

To celebrate the launch, DoorDash is offering special savings on the first delivery order from participating Market 32, Price Chopper, and Tops locations. Select Market 32, Price Chopper, and Tops Friendly Markets stores are also available on DashPass, DoorDash’s membership program that offers $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees from thousands of restaurants, grocery, and convenience stores nationwide. From now through June 19, 2025, DashPass members get 40% off orders with a subtotal of $55 or more (up to $25 off) using promo code 40M32PC at Market 32 and Price Chopper or 40TOPS at Tops. Non-DashPass customers can save 30% off orders with a subtotal of $45+ (up to $15 off) with promo code 30M32PC or 30TOPS.

"DoorDash offers a convenient way for shoppers to get fresh, affordable groceries delivered on demand,” said Mike Goldblatt, VP of Retail and Grocery Partnerships at DoorDash. “We're delighted to add this well-loved Northeast grocer with nearly 300 locations to DoorDash, allowing consumers to stock up on everything from daily staples to grab-and-go favorites and discover other great local options in their community."

Through DoorDash, customers can:

• Shop 150,000+ items—including fresh produce, meats, snacks, beverages, frozen foods, pantry staples, and household essentials
• Order a wide variety of freshly prepared meals and meal solutions—from ready-to-heat entrees to grab-and-go favorites
• Enjoy fast, on-demand delivery—often in under an hour
• Use flexible payment options, including digital wallets or credit card programs
• Access DashPass perks like $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders for members
• Choose their neighborhood store for a localized, personalized shopping experience

To get started, visit DoorDash.com or open the DoorDash app and search for your local Market 32, Price Chopper, or Tops Friendly Markets store.

CHESAPEAKE, VA - As Family Dollar prepares to become a standalone company, its future leadership team is taking shape. Dollar Tree, Inc., in partnership with Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management, announced that Duncan MacNaughton will serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Family Dollar following the close of the previously announced divestiture. Jason Nordin will continue to serve as President of Family Dollar.

Mr. MacNaughton is a seasoned retail executive with more than 30 years of experience leading large-scale businesses through growth and transformation. He previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Family Dollar and is known for his deep understanding of value retail and commitment to delivering for customers.

Mr. Nordin, who has been leading the stand-up of the new Family Dollar organization, brings a strong track record in enterprise strategy, operations, and transformation. As President, he will work closely with Mr. MacNaughton to guide Family Dollar’s long-term strategic direction and operational execution.

“This leadership structure brings together two highly experienced and complementary leaders who share a deep commitment to Family Dollar’s success,” said Mike Creedon, Chief Executive Officer of Dollar Tree, Inc., in a recent press release. “Duncan’s leadership experience and passion for value retail, combined with Jason’s strategic and operational expertise, position Family Dollar for a strong future as an independent company.”

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

MCALLEN, TX - A robust lineup of Mexican produce is preparing to liven up the produce department. GR Fresh’s Mexico transition has begun from the states of Sonora and Sinaloa to Coahuila, where the supplier will continue with its staple items, including Roma tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and avocados.

“I always look forward to our summer growing region, which is logistically only six hours South of the McAllen, Texas, border,” explains Tony Incaviglia, the grower’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Some of our best and freshest quality arrives within 24 hours of pick and pack, provided no unforeseen challenges on the way. Our retail and foodservice partners always look forward to our quality and fresh, crisp lineup of commodities from our summer growing region.”

GR Fresh is welcoming its summer growing season on the heels of challenges posed by the winter months.

“Over the past several years, the winter season has historically shown to be a very challenging season. Supply is plentiful, quality is consistent, varieties and specialty items are readily available, but Open Markets have been a grind. Demand and shopping habits have evolved, and markets still have a post-pandemic feel,” Tony notes. “The state of the economy over the last several years, the threat of tariffs, the potential cancellation of the suspension agreement in July, that will add up to an additional 21 percent to the cost of goods imported into the U.S. will add more uncertainty through out our industry. These factors have changed buying habits; consumers buy the necessities and pass on the extras they in the past would toss in the shopping cart. But fortunately it’s not all gloom and doom, as we are beginning to see an effort to impact this and are seeing a slight economic change, with inflation showing signs of slowing, which should impact the cost of goods.”

As GR Fresh transitions to its Coahuila operations, opportunities are ramping up across the tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, and avocado markets, alongside a large collection of other Mexican favorites.

As always, stay up to date on current market dynamics and category opportunities with the latest insights from AndNowUKnow!

ISLANDIA, NY - According to Long Island Business News, Trader Joe’s is planning a major East Coast expansion with a 921,000-square-foot distribution facility proposed for Islandia, New York. The development would be one of Long Island’s largest single-user industrial projects and could generate up to 800 jobs. The facility is set to support 13 existing Trader Joe’s stores across Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, while positioning the retailer for further growth in the region.

The 66-acre site would house a 756,000-square-foot warehouse with cold storage, a 125,000-square-foot freezer building, and a maintenance structure. Currently served by a distribution center over 100 miles away in Bath, Pennsylvania, the new Islandia hub would significantly reduce travel time and improve logistics efficiency for nearby stores.

The property, formerly CA Technologies’ headquarters, was acquired by a joint ownership group after a friendly foreclosure in 2021. Originally slated for a multi-building development, the plan shifted when Trader Joe’s, represented by IDS Real Estate Group, began pursuing a build-to-suit opportunity. Approvals from the Village of Islandia and potential updates to economic incentives through the Islip IDA are still pending.

Check back with ANUK as we follow retail expansion and its impact on regional fresh produce distribution.