Deanna McNaughton has local Riverina hampers at Knights Deli. Photo: Chris Roe/Supplied.
Who are you and what is your business? I am Deanna McNaughton and I am the owner of Knights Deli.
Where did you begin? Long story short, purchased original Knights in 2009, developed this deli portion of business in 2011, closed butchery in 2019 and went solo as Knights Deli.
What do you produce? Gourmet food range, meals, salads, catering and our multi-award-winning Knights Riverina Product range which value adds products from our region.
Where can we buy your products? On our website, in our store at 183 Fitzmaurice Street and many retailers around the Riverina. Also, we have stockists as far as Canberra, Corowa, the tourist information centres from Tumbarumba, Wagga, Griffith and Hay.
What should we buy for gifts this Christmas? Something Australian made preferably Riverina-made!
What’s your favourite product that you make? Oh, that’s a very hard question, like picking a favourite child! It depends on what day you ask me. Ha-ha. It is usually the most recent one we’ve created. If I have to pick one it would be the first product we made, our toffee apples are delicious by themselves but amazing when paired with double cream brie on top! We have won several awards with these when we entered them at the Sydney Fine Food Awards and they continue to grow in popularity as cheese lovers try them on their cheese boards.
What would you make if you could do anything? A tablet to cure all cancers and diseases.
Local hampers are packed and ready for Christmas. Photo: Chris Roe.
How would you promote the Riverina? Wide-open spaces, friendly faces, amazing food products with ever-growing and improving food and tourism experiences.
What’s your favourite coffee spot? I don’t drink coffee, so I am not a coffee shop frequent flyer, but I do know that the list of good places for brunch or a cuppa are growing and growing.
Coolest local thing you’ve ever bought? For shop or me personally? I don’t know on who’s scale of cool you are referring to as my kids would laugh, but recently I purchased this range of gift cards for the deli that I also bought to gift personally. They are called Sow n Sow. One hundred per cent Australian gift cards made from recycled paper with Australian artist designs on them and embedded in the card are seeds to plant in the garden. The card is 100 per cent biodegradable so they break down and the seeds grow. I love that idea as it is like the gift that keeps giving and there is no waste.
Who is another local producer you admire? I admire Neil and Coral Druce from Junee Licorice Factory so much. For the creative thinking and leadership of Neil to the quiet, supportive, rock that is hard-working Coral and all that they have created together as husband and wife. It is a great partnership and success story and a credit to their hard work, entrepreneurship, and dedication. They are so giving of their time to help others.
What do you want for Christmas? Good health, great company, fond memories and fantastic food and wine!
Knights has a delicious mulled wine theme in the decorations for 2022. Photo: Chris Roe.
You can call into the deli at 183 Fitzmaurice Street or visit the website here.
Region Riverina is committed to celebrating our local producers and creatives and encourages everyone to buy local.
If you’re aware of someone who’s making something amazing, let us know!
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