Made in Nelson: Nutty D’Lites

Prepare to be inspired by the incredible journey of Nutty D’Lites, a small-batch producer from sunny Nelson that’s making waves in the local food scene! In our latest supplier spotlight, we’re thrilled to share their heartwarming story of passion, resilience, and deep community roots.

Could you share with us the story behind starting your business?

Nutty D’Lites began with a passion for creating exquisite, handcrafted treats that evoke joy and delight. Originally from the UK and Germany, we settled in Nelson, New Zealand, bringing with us a deep appreciation for European confectionery traditions. The foundation of Nutty D’Lites stems from learning the art of caramelising nuts and mastering European recipes, experiences gained from my friend and mentor who learnt them on the streets of Denmark. Inspired by these rich traditions and the joy they brought to people, we introduced this unique culinary experience to our new home. Nutty D’Lites was established to blend these timeless European techniques with a distinctive Kiwi twist, resulting in New Zealand’s finest roasted caramelised nuts, made with love and dedication our craft.

What do you love most about running a small business in your region, and how are you involved with the community?

Running a small business in Nelson is incredibly fulfilling, thanks to the supportive and vibrant local community. The beautiful surroundings and friendly atmosphere provide constant inspiration. What we cherish most is the opportunity to engage with our community through local markets such as the Motueka Sunday Market and the Nelson Market. We also attend most community events in the region, including iconic gatherings like Te Ramaroa, the Great Christmas Market, the Mapua Easter Fair, and community celebrations such as Matariki and Multicultural Day at venues like Founders Park.

These markets and events allow us to connect with our customers directly, share our passion, and support fellow local artisans. Being an active part of these events not only helps our business grow but also strengthens our ties within the community, fostering a sense of unity and mutual support.

What do you believe sets you apart from others?

What truly sets Nutty D’Lites apart is our unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. Each nut is meticulously hand-roasted and caramelised in small batches using copper pots, ensuring a perfect balance of taste and texture in every bite. We use only the finest ingredients, and our products are vegan and naturally gluten-free, catering to diverse dietary preferences without compromising on flavour. Our unique fusion of European confectionery traditions and Kiwi innovation creates a product that is both nostalgic and refreshingly original, offering a gourmet experience that is unmatched in the market.

What are you most proud of?

We take immense pride in the joy our products bring to our customers. The smiles and positive feedback we receive are the greatest rewards for our hard work. We are proud of our meticulous crafting process, from selecting the finest nuts to achieving the perfect caramelisation. Our dedication to quality and authenticity has earned us a loyal customer base and recognition within our community. Additionally, our active participation in local markets allows us to share our passion with others and contribute to the vibrant local economy, something we are incredibly proud of.

Your favourite local product?

Apart from our own delicious caramelised nuts, we are huge fans of QB’s Cheese Snacks. Developed by local entrepreneur Graham Manson during the 2020 COVID lockdown, QB’s Cheese Snacks are a fantastic keto-friendly, gluten-free, vegetarian, and lactose-free option. The innovation and dedication behind QB’s Cheese Snacks are truly impressive. Graham’s ability to turn a simple idea into an award-winning product that is now available across New Zealand is inspiring. The deliciously crunchy texture and pure cheese flavour make them a perfect snack that aligns with our commitment to quality and taste.

Where can people buy your products?

Nutty D’Lites products are available online through our website and at various boutique shops throughout New Zealand. We also have a strong presence at local markets such as the Motueka Sunday Market and the Nelson Market, where you can experience our products first-hand.

Partnering with “We Love Local” has allowed us to reach a wider audience who appreciate the finer things in life. We’re excited to work together and share the taste of Nelson with more people.

If you’d like to find our products in a location where they are not currently available, please get in touch with the business owner. We are always looking to expand and bring our delicious caramelised nuts to new places.

Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us. We’re thrilled to feature Nutty Delight’s exquisite products in the following NZ gift boxes, bringing a taste of the sunny Nelson Tasman Region to homes nationwide: