Why The British Hamper Company Is Redefining Gift Giving
A hamper full of delicacies
I recently ventured two hours north of King’s Cross to visit The British Hamper Company and meet the family behind this growing business. What began as a modest operation under a gazebo has become a well-respected brand known for high-quality, artisan hampers. With a focus on exceptional products and seamless international delivery, the company has positioned itself as a major player in the gifting, corporate, and Christmas hamper markets. In just a decade, it has grown to ship over 40,000 hampers annually, peaking at a staggering 2,000 hampers per day during the holiday season.
With over 10 years of expertise, The British Hamper Company now provides businesses with streamlined services, including personalised gifts with international delivery, a hassle-free Multi-Gifting service, and their innovative Gift By Text option. For large-scale orders, the Multi-Gifting service allows recipients to choose their hamper via a personalised text or email, ensuring their preferences are met thus adding another layer of convenience, allowing businesses and consumers to send thoughtful gifts instantly without needing delivery addresses upfront. I love how they are redefining corporate gifting to reflect gratitude and company values while creating memorable gifting experiences.
James, the managing director, spoke with me about their success and the family values that underpin it. Spotting a gap in the market, the family, passionate food lovers set out to fill it. The business began with support from James and Alice's father, whose initial investment helped bring their vision to life. Starting with a single container of hampers, they initially sold around 60 per month. Growth was gradual but steady, and without relying on external investors, the company has now reached a milestone turnover of £3.5 million, with revenue projected to hit £5 million by 2026 - all while staying true to its core principles.
The British Hamper Company was built on three founding pillars: sourcing the finest artisan products, providing a personal and efficient customer experience, and offering a seamless ordering process. Each hamper is thoughtfully curated with goods from British artisans who share the company’s passion for quality, ensuring customers receive unique, carefully selected items. This commitment to quality and accessible luxury has made a lasting impression, particularly in international markets where British products are highly sought after.
This commitment isn’t just a marketing promise but a reality I experienced firsthand. As a judge at the Great Taste Awards and a food writer, I like to think I can approach food with an objective palate. My visit started with a tasting table brimming with beautifully packaged products, each in its own branded wrapping, lending a polished, professional feel. Deciding where to start was no easy feat, but I began with a savoury choice: smoked salmon.
The salmon was a standout. Its refined smokiness enhanced the fish’s delicate flavour without overpowering it, allowing the quality of the salmon itself to shine through.
Curious about the team’s personal favourites, I asked which product they were most proud of. Their quick answer: All Butter Cheddar Biscuits from Suffolk, with a unique addition of Italian hard cheese. Paired with their Red Onion Marmalade, the biscuits were rich and layered in flavour, a real treat that had me reaching for more.
On the sweeter side, I couldn’t resist trying the fruit scones. I can confidently say these were among the finest scones I’ve tasted. Light and perfectly balanced, they left no unpleasant baking powder residue, a common flaw in many scones. Generously spread with clotted cream and topped with their raspberry and strawberry jams, each bite was delicious. So much so that I took some home for my wife to enjoy. She loved them just as much as I did, I am happy to report.
The Caramel Sea Salt Fudge was just as good as expected, but it was the honeycomb and bean-to-bar dark chocolate that truly caught my attention. Made by Willie Harcourt-Cooze from the Sambirano bean, this chocolate was remarkably fruity and flavourful, offering a depth that’s hard to find elsewhere. It has so much dark fruit flavour that I couldn’t help but go back for another square.
Though not typically drawn to cakes, unless they’re fruit cakes, I couldn’t resist trying the Christmas cake, and it didn’t disappoint. Moist, packed with fruit and warm spices, it came with a choice of icing or a festive fruit and cherry topping. I’m certain one of these cakes will make an appearance on my Christmas table, if it lasts that long.
The company’s dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in its approach to customer service. Every January, the team gathers to review any customer “pain points”, resolving operational challenges from the previous year before the new season. Daily meetings allow them to address customer feedback in real time, continually improving the experience based on direct insights. I genuinely had the impression that the business was customer-focused, first and foremost, and continually looking for ways to improve. James did ask for our ideas and opinions, which I was all too happy to share. Virtually all of them had been discussed previously, cementing how on top of their game they are.
A unique selling point of the British Hamper Company is its international reach, with 35% of sales coming from overseas. The United States leads as the largest market, reflecting the global appeal of British culture and artisan goods. Post-Brexit, they established a distribution hub in the Netherlands, enabling next-day delivery across much of Europe, while eliminating customs fees and red tape for European customers.
From September onward, the British Hamper Company’s operations reach a new level of intensity. A seasonal team is brought in to manage the surge in holiday orders, packing between 400 and 600 hampers daily. Certain perishable items, such as smoked salmon, are added at the last minute to ensure freshness. This meticulous attention to quality and timing is central to the company’s promise: every hamper is delivered with a minimum three-month shelf life from the delivery date, ensuring recipients enjoy the products at their peak.
Sustainability is integral to their business. Hampers are available in both wicker and cardboard, with packaging materials printed using vegetable-based inks. Intrigued by the design of the cardboard boxes, I asked what the significance of the coloured circles printed on them was. Once told, it was obvious - they were red, white and blue to pay homage to the Union Flag. I loved this attention to detail.
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its reach by venturing into retail and partnering with aligned businesses. This step forward marks an exciting new chapter for the brand and will make its products even more accessible.
Each hamper is thoughtfully finished with a branded ribbon, adding a distinctive touch. Custom branding is also available, making these hampers ideal for corporate gifts or personalised presents. With over 100 pre-designed hampers available, or the option to create your own, there’s something for every occasion.
Of course, at this time of year, many will be thinking of ordering a Christmas hamper for loved ones or clients. I suggest making life easier by drawing on the experience of the team here. You can even add a bottle of wine or fizz to your order. I recommend the Chapel Down, but for Christmas Day, why not choose the Dom Perignon? After all, it’s a day for celebration and sharing.
