YORKSHIRE FOOD COMPANY RELISHES ITS FIRST BIG RETAIL DEAL

A York based relish company has just scooped its first major retail deal with UK kitchenware chain Lakeland.

Raman’s Handmade Relish, based in Strensall near York, has secured a top spot for two of its relishes in Lakeland’s Christmas range, which will see the products stocked in 59 stores across the country.

Raman’s Handmade Relish Duo (RRP 2x 190g for £9.99), which includes Butternut Squash Relish and Aubergine Relish, comes as a boxed gift, and will also appear on Lakeland’s website.

Lakeland describes the products as “a fusion of east and west! fabulous-sounding flavours!and take our word for it, they taste as good as they sound! Handmade with a freshness like you picked the veg yourself, we guarantee these will go down a treat as dips, marinades or perfect accompaniments.”

Raman’s Handmade Relish, set up by niece and aunt Priya and Geetha Raman in 2010, stemmed from a passion for travel and food, with family recipes passed down from grandmothers and mothers. The pair, who lived together in Southern India, the Middle East, America and now the UK, has a flair for flavour, bringing together exotic Indian spices with the best of Yorkshire fruit and vegetables.

Very much a cottage industry, the range, which includes Aubergine, Butternut Squash, Beetroot, Pepper, Apple & Carrot, and Tomato & Onion and Courgette [all RRP £3.50 a jar], started out being made in small batches in Priya’s kitchen and they contain no preservatives, additives or added sugar, and use every little oil and salt.

“We’ve always aimed to make it into an up-market shop like Lakeland so we’re delighted to win the contract,” says Priya, who along with aunties Geetha and Rajee also scooped the title of ‘Britain’s Best Cooking Family’ in The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Off in December 2010. “Lakeland liked our family values and our passion for good quality ingredients, and the fact we don’t compromise on quality or our brand values. We hope this will be a foot in the door to more retail wins and that it’s just the start of the journey for us!”