News Summary
Busch’s Fresh Food Market has unveiled a new hyperlocal produce program to celebrate its 50th anniversary in Southeast Michigan. Sourcing seasonal produce from local farms, the initiative aims to provide fresh food to customers while supporting community agriculture. With various participating farms, Busch’s seeks to enhance the shopping experience and promote increased sales of locally grown produce by 2025. The anniversary celebrations include special sales and community events, highlighting the company’s commitment to regional agriculture and customer engagement.
Ann Arbor, MI – Busch’s Fresh Food Market has initiated a new hyperlocal produce program, enhancing its commitment to community farming while celebrating its 50th anniversary in Southeast Michigan. This initiative will feature seasonal produce sourced from nearby farms during the summer and fall months, promoting fresh, locally-grown food.
The hyperlocal program will see a variety of produce items changing throughout the season, aimed at providing consumers with the best and freshest options available. Participating Busch’s locations include stores in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Plymouth, Saline, Brighton, Canton, South Lyon, Novi, and West Bloomfield. The introduction of locally sourced products aligns with Busch’s ongoing mission to support regional agriculture and provide its customers with high-quality food.
Bobby Turner, the President of Busch’s, emphasized the importance of connecting customers with community farms. Currently, Busch’s carries approximately 2,500 local items, and last year, the retailer sold 25,813 units of hyperlocal produce. A unit is defined as either an individual item or a pound, depending on the type of produce. In a bid to further promote local sourcing, Busch’s aims to increase the sale of area-grown fresh produce by more than 10% by the year 2025.
Participating Farms and Produce
Several local farms are joining this initiative, contributing a range of produce to Busch’s stores. Notable farms include:
- Garden Fort Farms (Dexter) – microgreens, pea shoots, winter spinach, arugula, and mixed greens.
- Jacob’s Fresh Farm (Dexter) – green curly kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, various zucchinis, heirloom tomatoes, and poblano peppers.
- Green Things Farm Collective (Ann Arbor) – organic dill, parsley, kale, radishes, cilantro, beets, and carrots.
Dave Holloway, Director of Produce and Floral at Busch’s, noted the significant advantages of fresh local produce in terms of flavor and quality, reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellent customer experiences.
Celebrating 50 Years
Busch’s Fresh Food Market was founded in 1975 and has since expanded to 16 stores across five counties in Michigan, employing over 1,600 staff members. To mark half a century of service, Busch’s is celebrating with a special 10-day anniversary sale from May 15-25, featuring discounts on various products, including meats, cheeses, and baked goods.
Throughout the anniversary celebration, the retailer is also hosting a rib fest on May 24-25 and a charity hot dog event on May 17-18, with proceeds benefiting local food banks such as Forgotten Harvest and Gleaners. Customers can participate in a “Celebrate Local Tasting” event, set to take place on May 17-18 at Busch’s stores in Ann Arbor, showcasing local food vendors.
Store Enhancements and Community Focus
In addition to the hyperlocal produce initiative, Busch’s has made investments in store remodels aimed at enhancing the shopping experience, including upgrades at its Novi and Farmington Hills locations. The company remains dedicated to addressing community needs by actively engaging in initiatives focused on education and hunger relief. With its ongoing efforts to connect customers with local products and support community welfare, Busch’s stands as a testament to regional commerce and local agriculture.
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Additional Resources
- Progressive Grocer: Busch’s Touts Hyperlocal Seasonal Produce
- Detroit Free Press: How Busch’s Fresh Food Market Is Celebrating Its 50th Anniversary
- Hometown Life: Busch’s Fresh Food Market Anniversary: 50 Years
- Hour Detroit: Busch’s Fresh Food Market: 50 Years of Local Family-Owned Excellence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Busch’s Fresh Food Market