Local award-winners celebrate hitting another huge milestone

A local award-winning business, which started out during the pandemic, is celebrating after ending 2022 by hitting a huge milestone.

Family-run business Nakasero, have announced that their range of products, are now available to buy from premium retail store Whole Foods.

The unique-tasting condiments and relishes are already popular amongst the local community, but now the products are available to a whole new range of customers.

Gita Raikundalia, Nakasero owner said: “I am incredibly thrilled that Nakasero is available to buy in Whole Foods.

“I have always dreamed about my products being sold by premium retailers. To see my relishes available in Whole Foods is just incredible.

“I’ve been so determined to share Nakasero with the world – as a family we’ve been working diligently behind the scenes and this just shows that hard work pays off.”

When asked how the opportunity came about, Gita said: “We were at an exhibition recently and I saw Whole Foods there, I immediately sensed an opportunity, so I just went for it.

“They loved our product, and after a few months of conversations and negotiations we were over the moon to receive the good news that they’d like to stock the entire range.”

The female-led company has gone from strength to strength since launching in 2020. Their signature relish Giardiniera and Italian chilli jam “Marmalata” can be found in over Forty five independent retailers across the country, as well as on the menus of well-known restaurants and eateries.

Their collection of accolades includes winning New Business of the Year, Local Artisan Product of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, Lloyds Small Business of the Year and more recently they won Bronze in the One to Watch category at the Weetabix Food and Drink Awards.

Gita added: “The support that we’ve had locally since launching has been overwhelming. From fellow food producers, independents, customers, and supporters, we’ve been blown away by the fantastic feedback that we continue to receive.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year. Getting back to ‘normal’ since lockdown has been hard but we’re lucky enough to see our products grow through retail, catering and now Whole Foods!

“We will all survive by supporting each other and I am humbled by the support that we have received.”

Even though the cost of living has increased, Gita says that this has not affected sales as people still love the taste of her relishes and condiments.

The Nakasero team have their sights set on achieving even more success in 2023, in the hope that their products will hit even more retail shops and restaurants.