Relish in it! Northampton businesswoman's secret recipes earn her spot on awards shortlist after just six months of trading

A Northampton businesswoman's secret recipes have earned her a spot on the shortlist for a national entrepreneur award after just six months of trading.

Gita Raikundalia only launched her very own brand of spicy relish in February this year just before the lockdown hit.

But after finding huge success through online sales, her Northampton-grown company Nakasero Foods has been nominated as a finalist for the food and drink category of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Gita said: “It was one thing to have a unique product and a great business idea however I am passionate about clean wholesome eating and it was very important to me that my business reflects this.

"Hence my first product has been carefully crafted completely sugar-free, free from wheat, gluten, artificial additives and preservatives. I want to make it easy for people to enjoy a clean diet without compromising on taste."

She launched her first product - an spicy Italian relish made with her secret recipe of vegetables and garlic named Giadiniera - only six months ago but it can already be found many of the town's independent retailers like The Daily Bread Cooperative, St Giles Cheese and Smiths Farm shop.

However, when the Covid-19 lockdown hit just a month after launching her business, Gita realised that she would need to think outside the box and quickly launched an online sales platform in order to reach her customers.

Nakasero even offered free deliveries within Northampton to help grow her brand in her hometown.

She has also collaborated with well-known restaurants and cafes such as Jeyes of Earls Barton and the Smoke Pit who have created mouth-watering dishes using Nakasero’s Giardiniera.