Mama Mia! Busch’s Fresh Food Market Offers Customers a Passport to Italy Starting on Oct. 6 and Featuring Over 100 Authentic Italian Products

In-store demonstrations of cracking 80-pound Parmigiano Reggiano wheels begin on Oct. 11

This Event Has Ended. 

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Oct. 2025) – Busch’s Fresh Food Market, a family-owned supermarket chain in south-east Michigan, is bringing Italy to its aisles from Oct. 6 to Nov. 2. Passport to Italy is a celebration of Italian food heritage, featuring over 100 authentic Italian-themed items across every department. From imported specialties like Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, to locally produced favorites such as prepared pasta dishes and Italian treats like hand-filled cannoli, shoppers can explore the flavors of Italy through curated displays, tastings and events. Customers will have an opportunity to experience a centuries-old tradition live: cracking of 80-pound Parmigiano Reggiano wheel, a rare event outside of Italy. The wheels are produced only in Italy under strict heritage guidelines. For images click here.

Our authentic Italian flavors will touch every category in stores: wine and beer, deli, bakery, grocery, produce and prepared foods,” explained 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 explained that Parmigiano Reggiano must be aged at least 12 months, but at Busch’s, wheels were selected aged a minimum of 24 months. “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:

• Over 100 featured items on sale—including Italian olive oils, pastas, sauces, breads, olives, cakes, tarts, pasta salads, and lasagna.
• Authenticity + storytelling: Many items are imported directly from Italy, while others are locally crafted to honor Italian traditions.
• Parmigiano Reggiano—Cheese of the Month: Stores will be cracking open 80-lb wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano, produced only in Italy. Guests can sample this legendary cheese and purchase wedges freshly cut in-store. Busch’s sources delicious cheeses from around the US and overseas, offering customers the opportunity to sample new and delicious offerings with its Cheese of the Month program.

Event schedule

• Parmigiano Reggiano wheel cracking (11 a.m.):
  • 10/11 – Ann Arbor (2240 S. Main St.)
  • 10/12 – Ann Arbor (2020 Green Road)
  • 10/18 – Brighton (9870 E Grand River Ave.)
  • 10/19 – Canton (225 S. Canton Center Rd)

Busch’s Fresh Food Market, which recently celebrated its 50^th anniversary, has 16 stores located in Oakland, Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston and Lenawee counties, and has 1,600 employees. The company is known for its high-quality foods, offering a broad assortment of fresh produce, premium meats and seafood, scratch-made deli offerings, fresh bakery items, specialty and local products, and an extensive selection of wine and craft beer. Fresh baked goods are prepared daily at The Bakehouse in Clinton and delivered to all locations seven days a week.

For more information on Busch’s go to buschs.com.

About Busch’s Fresh Food Market

Founded in 1975, Busch’s Fresh Food Market is a family-owned independent supermarket chain which has been proudly serving the southeastern Michigan community for 50 years. It operates 16 stores in Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, Lenawee and Livingston counties, and currently employs over 1,600 associates. The company, which has its headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is dedicated to offering high-quality groceries, premium produce, and exceptional customer service. Busch’s is committed to supporting local farmers, artisans, and suppliers to provide its customers with the best in fresh, sustainable food. For more information go to buschs.com.