Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Busch’s Fresh Food Market is inviting customers to experience the flavors of Italy during its Passport to Italy event, running Oct. 6-Nov. 2 across all 16 stores.
The promotion highlights more than 100 Italian-themed items, from imported specialties such as Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to locally crafted pasta dishes and bakery favorites like hand-filled cannoli. Shoppers will also find curated displays, tastings and live events.
One highlight includes the centuries-old tradition of cracking an 80-pound wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, an event rarely seen outside of Italy. Produced under strict heritage guidelines, these wheels were selected at a minimum of 24 months of aging for deeper flavor and complexity.
“Our authentic Italian flavors will touch every category in stores – wine and beer, deli, bakery, grocery, produce and prepared foods,” said Busch’s President Bobby Turner. “We hope that our Passport to Italy will set the table for fall entertaining, inspiring customers with Italian pairings for gatherings of friends and family.”
Cheese Merchandiser Troy Daily emphasized the quality of the featured cheese.
“That extra time develops deeper complexity, intensity and notes of nuttiness and pineapple, creating a truly exceptional flavor. Known as the ‘King of Cheese,’ we believe this is the best way for our guests to experience Parmigiano Reggiano,” he said.
Program highlights include:
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More than 100 Italian items on sale, such as olive oils, pastas, sauces, breads, olives, cakes, tarts and lasagna.
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A mix of imported specialties and locally crafted foods inspired by Italian traditions.
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Parmigiano Reggiano as the October “Cheese of the Month,” cracked fresh in stores with samples available. Guests can sample this cheese and buy wedges cut in-store. Busch’s sources cheeses from around the U.S. and overseas, offering customers the opportunity to sample new offerings with its Cheese of the Month program.
Event schedule: Parmigiano Reggiano wheel cracking (11 a.m.)
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Oct. 11 – Ann Arbor, 2240 S. Main St.;
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Oct. 12 – Ann Arbor, 2020 Green Road;
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Oct. 18 – Brighton, 9870 E. Grand River Ave.; and
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Oct. 19 – Canton, 225 S. Canton Center Road.
Busch’s, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, operates 16 stores in Lenawee, Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties in southeastern Michigan, with more than 1,600 employees.
The company is known for premium produce, meats, seafood, scratch-made deli items, fresh bakery goods and a wide selection of wine and craft beer. Fresh baked goods are prepared daily at The Bakehouse in Clinton, Michigan, and delivered to all locations seven days a week.
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