Exclusive Access: The Story Behind Our 2025 Retailer of the Year Delilah Fine Foods

Exclusive Access: The Story Behind Our 2025 Retailer of the Year Delilah Fine Foods


We caught up with Delilah Fine Foods on their home turf in Nottingham to discuss all-things Delilah and Retailer Awards. With behind-the-scenes access to their store, and how they became our 2025 Retailer of the Year, read on to discover more…

Get to know Delilah Fine FoodsBased in Nottingham, Delilah Fine Foods was founded by Sangita Tryner in 2005 with the idea to create a place ‘packed with amazing products and exquisite flavours’, to which ‘people leave having not only tasted foods like this never before, but also having had a food ‘experience’ to remember’ (Delilah Fine Foods, 2026).

On their entry Delilah told us about their store layout and design: “Delilah is beautifully housed in a listed former banking hall, the space boasts tall ceilings, original architectural features, and a two-level layout. The mezzanine eatery offering a cozy, elevated dining experience, while the ground floor showcases the deli’s full range, including a vibrant food bar at the rear. Upon entering, customers are immediately drawn to the cheese and charcuterie chillers, strategically positioned opposite the entrance. A selection of 200+ cheeses, 50+ meats, olives & antipasti, designed to be the first thing seen. All fresh breads, etc. are right at the front of the store, again securing the stamp of freshness, on entry.”

This impressed the judges who commented: "This business is an inspiration to all in retail, hospitality, and service. Stunning, a well-thought-out environment and space."

With a focus on staff development and community initiatives which contributed significantly to their win at last year’s Retailer Awards, Delilah boasts an array of delights in their deli, including as a vast selection of bread, wine, confectionary and cheese from local and regional producers, as well as a café serving a variety of breakfast, lunch and dessert options.

Being named as Retailer of the Year 2025 at the Retailer Awards ceremony on 6th April came as quite a shock to the Delilah team. Sangita said that “I can’t tell you how much it meant to us, it was like that pat on the back… people in that room at the time really humbled us”.

“These awards are highly sought after for people in our position, where being an independent nowadays is so much harder. And to be able to get some kind of recognition for what we have to do to still be around is really, really important”.

“Winning Retailer of the Year has allowed us to have something to shout about. It’s nice to have some weight behind that to be able to shout about it.”

A great shop starts with quality suppliers

Delilah is more than just a delicatessen - it’s a labour of love! Sangita commented saying that “our shop wouldn’t be anything without the producers that we have…being able to have a house for their products has meant that we’ve opened doors for their products”.

Part of their entry included mention of this: “Delilah prioritises sourcing products from the local area where possible, ensuring that the community benefits from mutual growth. This not only supports small businesses but also promotes sustainability by reducing the need for long-distance transportation. We partner with local artisans and give them an opportunity to use Delilah as a testing ground for new products and gain customer’s perspective which helps them develop profitability and longevity that comes with that.”

One Delilah customer commented “A true ambassador for the East Midlands, Sangita sells the best regional fayre alongside exotic charcuterie and ambitious kitchen essentials, transforming home cuisine. She was brave, and ahead of her time, taking on a former banking hall, when most became chain restaurants or pubs. Friendships are formed here at the bar, or on wine tasting evenings.”

And our judges agreed: “Great engagement with suppliers, helping them out while bringing in a new range. Clever."
A focus on sustainability

One section of the 2025 entry form was about the sustainability initiatives businesses have applied. Part of Delilah’s answer included:

“Delilah is committed to reducing our environmental footprint through sustainable practices. We actively promote the use of eco-friendly materials like paper and jute bags, aim to minimize packaging waste, and streamline deliveries for efficiency. For instance, we coordinate local deliveries, ensuring the most fuel-efficient routes are taken to reduce total miles travelled. Recently, we've introduced monetary incentives to encourage customers to bring their own reusable containers for specific product categories where this can make a significant environmental impact.”

One of Delilah’s customers shared:

“As a customer it is good to be able to shop where sustainable practices are practised including the ability to use our own containers when buying some products at Delilah’s. Napoleon is reputed to have said that we are ‘a nation of shopkeepers’, our high streets would still be vibrant if more took inspiration from Delilah’s.”

With judges adding: "The sustainability element is evident with the promotion of refilling using customers’ own vessels—this is great."

Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2026

With the 2026 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards now open for entries, we’re pleased to welcome Sangita to the 2026 judging panel. Bringing her expertise and passion for the specialist retail sector, Sangita will join an array of industry experts who collectively will judge this years’ entries.

With this in mind, Sangita has some tips and tricks for this years’ entrants on how to craft an award-winning entry:

"Preparing for the awards before you enter is really important because you’ve got to be clear on the message you want to send about your business that you need to capsulate in a precise manner”

“And make it fun! It’s very important when you are entering these types of awards that you enjoy it and have a voice.”

Entries close for the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2026 on Friday 26th September.