How a roadside berry stand grew into Metro Detroit's most beloved international marketplace — and why every strawberry we sell still tells that story.

There is a reason a strawberry sits right at the heart of the Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace logo. It isn't just a piece of fruit. It is the origin story of everything we are — a small, sun-ripened symbol of hustle, quality, and an unshakeable belief that people deserve the very best.

This Friday, February 27, the country celebrates National Strawberry Day. For most retailers, it is a marketing opportunity. For us, it is personal.

A Roadside Stand. A Big Dream.

Nearly five decades ago, a young man named Nino Salvaggio set up a stand on the east side of Metro Detroit and started selling fresh strawberries to passersby. No sprawling store. No elaborate marketing plan. Just beautiful, hand-selected berries and an entrepreneur who understood, in his bones, that freshness and quality would speak for themselves.

That simple stand was the seed of what would become Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace — a name now synonymous with specialty produce, gourmet foods, and the kind of vibrant, one-of-a-kind shopping experience you simply cannot find anywhere else in the region.

“My father started with nothing more than a passion for fresh produce and a firm belief that his customers deserved only the best," said Andrea Nicolella, Co-Owner of Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace and our late founder's daughter. "Every strawberry we sell today carries that same spirit — the same pride, the same commitment to freshness, and the same love he had for this community from day one. National Strawberry Day isn’t just a holiday for us. It’s a reminder of where we came from and a celebration of everything he built.”

The Strawberry SALE-A-BRATION Is Here

This year, we are going all-out to honor Nino’s legacy with a Strawberry SALE-A-BRATION running Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1. Think immersive strawberry-themed displays throughout the store, fresh samples in the produce and bakery departments, special pricing on over 40 strawberry-themed items, and the kind of over-the-top shopping experience that could only happen at Nino’s.

On Friday, February 27 only, our fresh 16 oz. strawberries will be sold at just $.99 each! It's our way of saying thank you to every customer who has been part of this journey. Limit 2 per customer while supplies last.

And because we know that no strawberry is complete without a little something extra, our bakery and produce teams will be offering complimentary samples all weekend long — fresh strawberries with strawberry fluff, and our beloved freshly baked strawberry muffins. Come hungry.

Our mouthwatering strawberries with sweet strawberry fluff will be out for sampling all weekend long!

Over 70 Ways to Love Strawberries

Did you know that on any given day, Nino’s carries more than 70 strawberry-related items across the store? From Lindt dark chocolate strawberries and cream to Blake’s strawberry jam, from our signature Strawberry Shortcake and Strawberry Rhubarb Pie from the bakery to fresh Strawberry Fluff from the produce department — you’ll find strawberry inspiration in every aisle this weekend. Don’t miss the stunning Strawberry Fields floral bouquets either, back in store just for this celebration.

All of these items and more will be 25% off regular retail Friday through Sunday. It is our most berry-forward weekend of the year, and we have planned every delicious detail with you in mind.

Bring the Kids

Little ones are welcome to pick up a free strawberry-themed coloring page at any of our locations throughout the weekend — a fun keepsake to take home and a great way to get the whole family into the strawberry spirit. Or just DOWNLOAD it here!!

Same Mission. Always.

Times have changed enormously since Nino first set up that roadside stand. Our stores are larger. Our selection is broader. Our reach extends around the world. But the mission has never wavered: source only the freshest produce from the Detroit Produce Terminal, treat every customer like a neighbor, and make every single visit feel special.

This National Strawberry Day, we invite you to come in, taste something delicious, and be a part of a story that started with one man, one stand, and one perfect strawberry. We’ll see you this weekend.

Strawberry SALE-A-BRATION

Friday, February 27 – Sunday, March 1, 2026

All Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace Locations

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