Rosaria Marsico is a Calabrian, from Grimaldi (Cosenza), who emigrated to Mainz (or Mainz), a city in western Germany, where she has now lived for forty years. Here, in 1989, he opened a shop for typical products Italians, where there is no shortage of delicacies from his land. Between meats, cheeses, wines and olive oil, Rosaria feels at home every day. That "home" that he continues to carry in his heart, like a memory that is still very dear to him.
Rosaria Marsico and her family, a long history of emigration
Rosaria belongs to a family of emigrants. His father Alberto is the first to leave for Germany, back in 1958. He is 26 years old, has a wife and four children, who initially remain in Grimaldi, to follow him over the years. Rosaria joined her father in 1978. She left with her husband Pasquale. After the first difficult years, the young woman finds a job in the factory. But in 1989, not feeling gratified by what she does, she decides to take care of something else. He dreams of opening a food store, all Italian, so he buys a place, even if he has to take out a loan. 31 years have passed since then. Today Rosaria is satisfied with her work and admits to finding a precious part of her Italy in her shop.
Rosaria Marsico and her famous shop in Mainz
Over the years, her commercial activity has given her great satisfaction and certificates of esteem from those who go shopping there every day. Rosaria always knows how to be kind and above all welcoming to her customers, who turn to her to buy Italian gastronomic specialties, especially those of the Calabrian tradition. In Mainz, Rosaria is famous, so much so that several local television broadcasters, intrigued by her history and the success of her products, always fresh and of excellent quality, invite her to the studio, dedicating extensive television services to her. In his shop there is no shortage of Calabrian specialties ('ndujia, Tropea onions, chillies). Rosaria talks about her work and the still solid bond with her land in this interview.
Rosaria, why did you think of opening an Italian shop?
“When I arrived in Mainz, in February 1978, I was really missing our food products, which were nowhere to be found here. However, the idea of opening a shop did not arise immediately. I worked for almost 12 years in the factory. Then, I felt the need to do something different. Initially, I had thought of an Italian trattoria, to be managed together with my brothers. But when I learned that the place that now houses my shop was on sale, I had no doubts. My future was there ».
How much time do you spend in the store?
«I spend my days there. The shop is open from 9.30 to 18.30, but at 9 I'm already here, and I leave around 19.30. It is my second home ».
Which products sell the most?
«I mainly sell the sliced meat. Germans have a habit of buying it, every day, in small quantities. Mortadella, il Parma's ham, cured meats, but dairy products are also sold well: mozzarella and buffalo burrata, stracciatella, ricotta from Campania and Sicilian sheep ».
Who do you buy your products from?
«The products, all strictly Italian, I buy them from wholesalers. There are eleven who supply me with the goods, only of excellent quality. I've known some of them for 30 years now, but when a new wholesaler comes to offer me something different, I don't hold back. I submit the news to customers, with tastings. If they like, I approve. "
Who are your customers?
«My shop is on the outskirts, therefore my customers are not passing through, but habitual,“ stammkunden ”, as they say here. They've been shopping for years, I've seen many grow up. It is a loyal clientele ».
What do you miss from your country?
«I miss everything. In particular, the warmth and welcome of my people. I come from a small town in the Calabria, I strongly miss the typical atmosphere of those places, where we all know each other and help each other. Fortunately, in my shop, you can breathe a bit of Italy. I left my homeland when I was 18 and, despite having built my future here, a part of my heart is and will always remain linked to Italy ".
(Photo Rosaria Marsico)
