The Original Orkney Hamper Co. was born nine years ago.
"We became aware that the the quality of food & drink produce that we enjoyed here in Orkney would appeal to a larger market place via mail order. Tourist would come into our shop in Stromness at the end of their visit to Orkney to purchase goods to take home, cheese and oatcakes being a firm favourite, they would often comment on the lack of supply of certain items out with Orkney. This was the conception of The Original Orkney Hamper Co." Callum MacInnes
The company has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, and we have increased our range dramatically, we have over 30 different suppliers of quality produce all within Orkney and the Shetland islands.
We also now have our own Smokery where we are smoking Orkney cheese mild and dark smoke. Locally grown tomatoes from Birsay are smoked and then Orkney Preserves produce a smoked tomato chutney exclusively for ourselves.
If you ever visit Orkney you may know our shop in Victoria Street, Stromness, where all our products and hampers are available. In the shop we also prepare and sell freshly made sandwiches using all local produce, our white crab salad roll is a popular choice.
Also available from our shop is Orkney Creamery ice cream with hot Orkney fudge sauce another not to be missed treat.
In 1999 we received the best retailer award for promoting Orkney produce and this year we received the best takeaway award for the use and promotion of Orkney produce in our sandwiches.
Recently, in both 2003 and 2004, we were winners of the best takeaway using Orkney produce.
Valhalla Brewery is a new supplier from Shetland, and also Walls Bakery, who provide us with a selection of Island oatcakes and biscuits.
Northlinks Ferries Ltd., the new ferry company sailing between Orkney, Shetland and mainland Scotland, feature our produce within their on board shops. This was a great opportunity for Orkney Hampers to promote and developed awareness of our company, a venture which we are proud to be involved in.
The Island Smokery We developed this part of our business two years ago, we smoked Orkney cheddar cheese, mature cheddar from the Orkney cheese company, in mild and dark smoke.
Another new product is smoked garlic sold in packs of two bulbs. We smoke tomatoes and then send them to the isle of Shapinsay were it is made
into a Smoked Tomato Chutney.
We also wanted a further confectionery range so we now produce Whisky Truffles, Chocolate Honeys (a chocolate sphere filled with fondant and local Orkney honey) and also a sweet we affectionately call Puffin Poo! We are always on the lookout for new food and drink products for our hampers, but recognized that we could fill some gaps ourselves, watch this space for further new exciting products!
We hope you enjoy your visit to our site and maybe one day to Orkney.
Best wishes Heather MaclnnesWe invite you to browse through our website and welcome online orders and enquiries.