Busch’s Fresh Food Market is celebrating Michigan’s cherry season with Cherryfest, running July 13-Aug. 9.
Premium sweet cherries from Third Coast Fruit Co. in Traverse City will be available at all 16 stores operated by the family-owned supermarket chain, alongside more than 20 cherry-inspired products including pies, sauces, brats, bread, coffee, wine and candles.
“Michigan’s abundance of cherries deserves its own celebration, and our guests eagerly anticipate our cherry event every year, featuring the freshest, highest-quality selection from northern Michigan,” said Bobby Turner, president and CEO of Busch’s Fresh Food Market.
“Busch’s unique cherry-themed products, including delicious new offerings prepared in house, are sure to become family favorites at summer gatherings.”
Michigan produces around 20 percent of the nation’s sweet cherries, making it one of the top four sweet cherry-growing states in the U.S. The state also is the nation’s leading producer of tart Montmorency cherries, growing 70-75 percent of the country’s crop.
Cherries across the store
New bakery items this year include Michigan Cherry and Walnut Sourdough Bread and Michigan Cherry Lemon Pucker Cookies, both made at Busch’s Bakehouse in Clinton. From Busch’s Kitchen, a Cherry Barbecue Chop and a Cherry Barbecue Chop Meal served with Summer Seasoned Sweet Potatoes will be introduced. Guernsey’s Sleepy Bear Traverse City Java Ice Cream from Northville adds another Michigan-made treat to the lineup. New on the beverage menu is Pigeon Hill Tart Cherry Lemonade Cocktail, produced in Muskegon.
Returning guest favorites include Busch’s Dried Montmorency Tart Cherries from Traverse City, Busch’s 100 percent Tart Montmorency Cherry Juice, Michigan Cherry Hand Pies from Achatz in Armada, Busch’s Specialty Traverse City Cherry Coffee, Pop Daddy Cherry Pretzels, Busch’s Cherry Nut Mix, Gypsy Cherry Pie Vodka from Petoskey and Chateau Grand Traverse National Cherry Festival Wine from Traverse City.
Fresh Michigan Cherry Pork Brats are available at Busch’s Kitchen, and Cherry Almond Chicken Salad will be on sale at the deli counter.
Cherry Bliss candles from the Kalamazoo Candle Company are also part of the promotion.
“Busch’s is proud to support Michigan cherry farmers and our focus on locally grown and locally-produced foods and beverages is an important part of our philosophy,” Turner added. “Cherryfest is our way of recognizing and highlighting Michigan’s one-of-a-kind cherry crop and bringing one of the signature flavors of summer to our guests.”
About Busch’s Fresh Food Market
Founded in 1975, Busch’s Fresh Food Market is a family-owned independent supermarket chain serving southeast Michigan for more than 50 years. It operates 16 stores in five counties and employs more than 1,600 associates.