Christmas Hampers for Corporate Delivery

Christmas Hampers are the perfect delivered gift idea

How Christmas Hampers are great for your business.

After years designing and selling Christmas Hampers, Kacy Fletcher has learned a few things about giving Christmas Gifts in the corporate setting. 

Kacy has been making handmade hampers for Hunter Valley Hampers and shipping them across Australia since 2007. 

Working with so many different clients over the years, Kacy has discovered two amazing secrets about Christmas hampers.  And she shares them with us today.

1 - Doubt.

You know you've had a great year - business is good, you've implemented succesful strategies and made some real progress.  You want to share your joy and gratitude with you clients - but you're not sure how.  Sending Christmas hampers for the first time is a real challenge to your own doubts and feelings of worthiness.  Do my clients really deserve this?  Am I really going to send them a Christmas hamper?

"It still happens every year - we get an inquiry early in November, and put together a quote and some custom options, and everything looks good to go - but then the client stalls and we don't hear from him for weeks - until mid December. when he has finally overcome his doubt and decided to order." 

Kacy explains how clients overcome their doubt and order Christmas hampers to share with their clients, business colleagues and corporates. "And then he places the order and it's almost too late - either a product is sold out, or the shipping won't make it across Australia in time, or we are simply booked out - and the client leaves without his fully completed order.

To overcome this - Kacy urges you to get in early and order with confidence - not doubt - and ensure your good wishes and gratefulness makes it through to the people who count for you.

2 - Your Hampers Reflect your Standards

You're a smart, intelligent business person and you know your business well - but when it comes to Christmas Hampers -let's face it - you're out of your depth.  Here's the tip - see the hamper as a reflection not of how little you paid, or what a bargain you got, but instead of what values and standards you hold.

Too often the best Christmas Hamper gesture is simple ruined by sending a cheap industrial cardboard box with some ordinary, supermarket style products.  Like $7 bottles of wine - you wouldn't even drink - and crackers from the biscuit aisle, and shortbread that - let's be honest - no one ever eats...

You got them on the cheap - from a mainstream site with big advertising and imported products off the pallet...  Such a poor reflection of what you and your business stand for...

It's different when you send a precious, handmade gift.  People actually can tell instantly that this is no ordinary Christmas hamper. 

Australian Christmas Hampers

Christmas symbolizes so much more than just the end of the year, or new beginnings or time away from work.  Christmas is a time of opportunity to connect and share with people - and present yourself, your brand and your image YOUR way. 

And a really impressive, generous gesture drives home how important your respect this relationship as well as how you present your business.  Choosing handmade Christmas Hampers from Hunter Valley Hampers is the right decision.

Four Simple Health and Diet Tips

Simple Fresh Local Artisan Gourmet Food

 Four Simple Health and Diet Tips

The latest diet fad and new age trend may spark your interest - but nothing beats simple good health. Looking to the past for inspiration, we are now following the simple diet and meal plans of our grandparents for less complicated and more healthy food options. Finding a fruit basket filled with simple unblemished fruit direct from the markets is the ideal way to keep in touch with natural, wholesome goodness.

Here's some easy to follow tips to keep your diet simple and healthy.

Look back at what your grandparents ate.
Most likely they did not start their meal preparation with jars and cans of sauces and a flavour base as they are now called - but instead real ingredients and simple flavours. Whist there is a place for thick sauces and decadent toppings - there is also a clean simplicity in presenting fresh food without added extras.

Sometimes the food itself doesn't need to be embellished and improved upon - like steamed broccoli is just perfect the way it is - no need for a slathering of butter. In the same way the simple gesture of offering a get well hamper for delivery to John Hunter Hospital can be just the tonic for a battered ego once you are laid up in the ward. No need for fancy balloons or trinkets - just the simple honesty of fresh fruit and a genuine personal message.

Seek out Get Help online

Just a simple Google search can reveal an amazing breadth of helpful forums, blogs and user advice so you cna start moving towards a healthier you. By adopting a whole-life approach to living simple and appreciating things like fresh fruit hampers and living without added sugar, you can certainly begin to feel the benefits within days of cleansing your system.

Simplify Your Entire Existence

In 2014, we have complicated our lives in so many ways it is sometimes difficult to get outside all the noise and pare back life to the bare essentials - like people who matter, doing a job that inspires and motivates you, and finding some sort of inner peace. When you make the change to a simple life, you are embracing the simple food philosophy also, giving the fresh benefits of fruit gift baskets full power to have an impact in your life.

I hope you can take some positives from this article about healthy food and fruit baskets and share what you have learned with family friends and your social networks. As a leading authority trusted by experts in the fields of fruit baskets and gourmet hampers, we wish you the best in making the lifestyle choices that will maximise your own health and multiply your gratitude and gratefulness.

Gift Giving 2013

Gift Giving in 2013

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We all appreciate the warm glow that giving and being generous inspires in us, yet in 2013 it is still painfully obvious that, on the whole, we are still more driven by “getting” as oppose to “giving”.

Just thinking about other people and expressing this through a thoughtful gesture like sharing a fruit basket can make your world a better place. It is scientifically proven that a generous attitude benefits the giver as much as the receiver.

 Valuing Thoughtfulness
Giving a Gift Hamper is an expression of spirit, and powerfully relates that you have considered the other person’s situation and made a positive, meaningful show of support. The act of kindness costs nothing in and of itself, but the feeling of undivided attention definitely acts as a catalyst to change the way we feel.

“Giving protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease”
Stephen Post, Why Good Things Happen to Good People.



Creating Great Memories
In the day to day bustle of life, where saving money is often given too high a priority, giving a Fruit Hamper offers validation, and a gesture of meaningful connection that is remembered. Too often we pause to think that it would be “nice to” send a gift, but when it comes to picking up the phone and making the call with delivery details, we find ourselves just not that emotionally available.

Give Because You Can, Not Because You Are “Owed”
Once you set aside your own feelings of resentment and being hard done by, the release of giving to a friend who is lonely, recovering from illness or experiencing a moment in life is nothing short of magic. Being appreciated as a valued friend is something that we all cherish, and despite what we may tell ourselves – something we can all afford. In this light, it is not hard to make the right decision and choose a Fresh Fruit Basket Delivered for $59.


Becoming Someone Who is Appreciative and Gracious
We all strive for self improvement and as the sales of self help books attest, the social appetite for becoming a better person is insatiable. Demonstrating your own willingness to give, share and take the real life opportunity to connect in a caring a positive way is the first step toward a fulfilling this lifestyle goal. Isn’t it time you shared a Fresh Fruit Basket?

Tips for a Happy Christmas

At Christmas Time, there is always stories of the crazy rush to complete shopping and ensure that all of the gifts and presents have been bought. Here are three important tips to help you get organized and be prepared so that as the big day approaches you won’t be left scrambling with last minute urgency.

Make a List.
Santa was right – make a list and check it twice. Being prepared and having your goals written down in front of you will make planning simpler.

Be Realistic.
There is the wish list and there is the reality list – we all have the ideas and the vision, but keeping everything doable and acheveable is another matter. Be considerate and remember that sometimes it isn’t worth sweating the small stuff. Everyone is out to have a memorable time and being distracted by little things doesn’t add to the enjoyment.

Be Grateful.
Things aren’t so bad, no matter how bad they may seem at the time. At Christmas time everyone is urged to be grateful for what they have and reflect on the past year as a time of growth and development. We should all be grateful for this. Especially if you are lucky enough to receive a Christmas gift hamper.

Christmas 2011 All Wrapped Up

Another year of Gourmet Hampers Australia and another series of lesson learned, victories to celebrate and opportunities for growth.

Firstly, I'd just like to comment on the growth and change in the business - things are never static and new ideas and being creative is certainly the way to go.  Just briefly, conversely, it is a continuing source of utter frustration that we can be so blatantly copied - like our font at a certain emporium this year and our suppliers being scalped by local competitors to create incredibly similar designs to ours.  But it is not for me to pursue such trivial matters - we are confident enough in our business model to know what works, and it is simply flattering that they continue to look to us for inspiration and leadership.  So I guess in a way it is a thank you for putting us as industry leaders. 

Second, the sometimes unreasonably high expectations of clients with regards to delivery is a continuing issue.  Delivery remains an integral part of the Gourmet Hampers Australia business model, but since it is contracted out to third parties, the level of control and management at an individual order level is an ongoing challenge.  As is personally servicing individual orders whilst the item is in transit efficiently.  It is still too easy to commit phone time to a single order already shipped in peak times.

Third, the lure of producing year round gift hampers is simply no longer attractive as an ongoing concern.  Or more accurately, other business presents as a more attractive option to producing hampers in the off season - when competition is still as hot as ever but the urgency of Christmas is simply not there. 

So in all one of our most successful Christmas seasons - expertly managed and without any 'unforeseeable' variables stripping away at the peak.  Another fantastic experience, thoroughly hard work, but immensely personally satisfying considering the off-field dramas we have endured - truly a testament to our resilience and ability to evolve to situations as they present.  We wish you all the best for Christmas, and appreciate your taking the time to read my reflections.

Best Christmas Hampers over $100

Here's a blog post from my friend Seth - Thought I'd share it with you...

There are only three kinds of sales:

Buying a refill, another unit of a service or product you've already purchased before
Switching to a new model/brand/style
Buying something for the first time

Here's an overlooked truth: until quite recently, buying something for the first time was a very rare and almost revolutionary act. In fact, more than a billion people on Earth don't do this as a matter of course. The standard is to only purchase the seeds, fuel or shelter that your parents, grandparents and great-grandparents did. That's the way it's always been.

Take a minute to think about what it means for someone in poverty (which until recently was almost everyone) to buy something for the first time. The combination of risk and initiative can be paralyzing. One of the little-known transitions of the industrial revolution was the notion that companies and individuals could set out to discover and buy stuff that they didn't know about until just recently.

You see a box or a store window or a product on the web and you start imagining how cool it would be to open the box, own the product, use it, engage with it and benefit from it. A product you've never purchased before. That's new behavior. Until a hundred years ago, that sort of imagining was rare indeed, just about anywhere in the world.

If you are trying to grow your coaching practice or b2b saas business or widget shop, understand that you are almost certainly pushing against a significant barrier: most people hesitate before buying something for the first time. If you're trying to develop trade in the underprivileged world, understand that teaching people to buy anything for the first time is a revolutionary concept.

Campbell's soup is almost never bought for the first time. It is a replacement purchase. No one switches to Campbell's either. They buy it because their mom did.

The first iPhone, on the other hand, was a first time product for just about everyone who bought it... most of the people on line that first day were buying their first smartphone. Worth noting that a few years later, many millions have made the switch--we don't make first-time purchases lightly.

And most of what gets sold to us each day at work or at home are switching products. "Ours is just like the one you already use, but cheaper/better/faster/cooler."

The potent mix of fear of loss, desire for gain and curiosity fuel the appeal of buying for the first time. But it's magic, it's not science, and it doesn't often happen on schedule.

Oh, and the Best Christmas Hampers over $100? Of course try a Hunter Valley Christmas Hamper or a Hunter Valley Christmas Basket.

Corporate Christmas Gifts 2011

Tips for Effective and Appreciated Corporate Christmas Gifts

Sharing Corporate Christmas Gifts amongst you business associates can be a hit and miss affair if you do not consider your recipient, the gift itself, and presentation of the gift. A well thought out gift can be a crucial repeat and referral business trigger, ensuring your name is top of mind when your business niche is required. Just as importantly, the presentation and appearance of the gift can make or break the whole process, as a strikingly put together gift can impress beyond your expectations. Your Corporate Christmas Gifts should be appreciated, effective and memorable so your recipient feels special, and your name is connected with a favorable event.

Your recipient obviously has a range of personal interests and preferences, and although it is important to have these in mind, it is also wise not to cater too specifically to these likes. For example, an avid golfer may prefer a golf themed gift, but it would not go down well with the rest of the team if it were just one gift across the whole department.

So knowing general tastes is best, and indulging those favourites will be pleasantly acknowledged - instead of targeting a specific hobby or pastime that they will already have accessories to. Buying a gourmet food hamper for corporate Christmas Gifts makes for an effective and memorable present as it caters for the niche where the individual is pampered and indulged with bespoke foods, condiments and chocolates. And enthusiasts of all types will appreciate the attention to detail and boutique quality of fine handmade foods and condiments.

With corporate gift giving, there ultimately comes the moment when the gifts are delivered to the place of business and, before they are shared amongst the staff, the boxes are noticed, perhaps in the foyer. This is the first stage of the gift experience, where a well made shipping box, with the hamper company's corporate logo, conveys a certain anticipation and expectation of quality. The next stage is opening the box and seeing the gourmet hamper, packed for presentation as a gift basket, wrapped under cellophane, with ribbon and bow. This can be the make or break moment, where the items in the gift basket, the wrapping and the overall impression can either make lips curl up into a smile, or brows furrow in confusion.

With a well-chosen corporate Christmas gift, your recipient will feel valued, will see the gift as an effective confirmation of the value of your ongoing business relationship, and will ultimately share the products of the gourmet hamper amongst friends and family over the holiday period. Nothing can over estimate the value of an effective gift basket at this special time of year. And that is what and effective and memorable corporate Christmas Gift makes for you, a lasting impression that your relationship is both worthy of sharing a quality gift experience, and valued for the future.

Christmas Hampers - Make Your Own

Christmas Hampers - You Can Make Your Own

Making a gift hamper visually appealing is much more than just piling products into a basket. Product combination, theme, colour schemes, basket balance, fillers and stuffing, wrapping, and finally ribbons and bows are all factors in making the perfect gift basket. If you need to make a gift hamper for an occasion and have no previous experience, follow this easy to read guide to make your own. Whilst making a hamper is simple with some experience, there are also some timeless tips to get everything just right, and here's the place to find out.

1. Basket and Balance
The first thing to consider is the basket itself and the balance of the products in it once assembled. The general idea is to have the products balanced towards the front side of the basket, which means there is a natural tendency for the basket to fall forward once it is made. So to counter this fill the base of the basket with densely packed filler, like shredded paper densely packed, or sand in resealable bags, or styrofoam peanuts.
Having a steady base makes for more creative freedom when you are assembling your products - and you'll see why in a moment.

2. Colors and Combinations
Browsing around online, you will notice that many commercial gift baskets offer color themed options, that go a long way towards lending an impression of professionalism and just looking right. One of the key considerations, which can be difficult to match, is having a colour theme. Simply keep in mind that matching together similar tones and colours in the hamper means that the whole impression will be of subtle togetherness. This means labels, logos and packaging of the products, because although it may be your least likely consideration, having a harmonious color combination can literally distinguish great from just good.

3. Jars and Bottles
A food hamper will always have jars and bottles in it, and the trick is to avoid glass rattle and glass touch - both can be early indicators that the glass will break in transit. Other than this it is important to simply have the jars and bottles arranged so they sit tight and won't fall over whilst the basket is being carried. A clever design tip is to place bubble wrap where two items may touch, so they you never have glass exposed to glass, which is likely to crack or break. Other tips are to keep the glass products surrounded by non-glass products so there other products act as buffers and absorb the bumps and shocks of transit.

4. Wrapping with Cellophane
The first thing you notice about crisp cellophane wrapped hamper from a heat shrunk wrapped hamper is the shiny gloss of the cellophane. So although some commercial gift basket operations will use matt heat shrink wrapping, stick to the traditional cellophane wrap. The shine is priceless in terms of appeal and impact for the recipient. Further, it pays to have the crisp, heavier weight cellophane for wrapping as this too makes all the difference with holding itself together and working to maintain the shape and posture of the basket. There is nothing worse than your basket display falling over on itself because the cellophane is too thin a grade to support a heavier product.

With these four basic tips you should be well on your way to making a memorable Christmas Hamper or gift basket. Of course, like all handmade goods, a hamper is a reflection of your personal style and taste, so do take the extra effort to give your creation a unique touch. And have fun. Making Gift Baskets should be all about fun and sharing!

Christmas Wine and Cheese Hampers

Making Christmas Wine and Cheese Gift Baskets is simple...

Some background on cheese...

Cheese is made from the curds (solids) of cow, sheep or goat milk, which are separated from the whey and ripened, according to Stephanie Alexander in her Cook’s Companion. With different processing styles, additives and curing methods, there is virtually no limit to the variety and taste spectrum that can be achieved. Farmhouse cheese is cheese that has been made on a farm with milk from that farm exclusively.

Will Stud, Australia’s sole member of France’s Guilde des Fromagers, suggests nine categories of cheeses.
Blue - Ripen from the inside out and moulds are injected. Think roquefort and gorgonzola
Cooked – low moisture content, long shelf life. Think parmesan, gruyere, emmental.
Fresh – uncured, unripened. Think ricotta, cottage cheese, mozzarella, marscapone
Goats – Distinctive taste, sprinkled with ash. Think Chevre.
Processed – ripening is halted by heat treatment for uniformity. Think supermarket.
Semi-hard – treated at lower temp and matured for 4-12 mths. Think cheddar, raclette.
Sheeps – Traditional Ethnic cheeses. Think fetta, roquefort.
Surface-Ripened Washed Rind – curd is pressed and dipped in brine alternately.
Surface-Ripened White Mould – Mould grows on surface and develops in. Think Brie, Camembert.
Preparing the Cheese Platter
Stephanie Alexander advises to be selective with your cheese for the platter. If you have a single perfectly ripe cheese do not bother adding to the selection – one fine tasting is far superior to a motley jumble of dried out pieces. Far better to have one fine experience than a confusion of inferior choices.

Tips
- Remove the cheese from the fridge prior to serving – let the cheese come to room temperature.
- Don’t feel obliged to serve cut kiwi fruit or unripe hard strawberries with the cheese platter – they do nothing to improve the experience.
- Grapes present well on the platter and are a sweet balance.
- Fig Jam is a great spread on crusty bread in between
- Crusty Bread works best with the cheese platter – sourdough bread with dense crumb and chewy crust makes for a satisfying compliment.

Wine for the Cheese Platter
The general rule, according to Stephanie Alexander, is the lighter the cheese, the lighter the wine. Don’t necessarily think that you always have to serve a dry, full bodied red wine.
A sticky dessert wine sits well with a creamy blue cheese.

Christmas Gift Baskets make the ideal birthday present for a person who has everything. Gourmet hampers make for a pleasant surprise that keeps giving for long after the occasion, as there is no rush to open and sample all of the jars and bottles in the gift. For more tips and advice on gourmet gifts, call 1300 284 684.

Free Fundraising Hampers for Your School

Free Fundraising Hampers for your school or community Group when you visit Hunter Valley Hampers Forum and post an entry on our Fundraising Hampers thread. Visit our new website, going live soon, and be in the running to win a gourmet hamper or gift basket to the value of $125 including FREE delivery Australia wide.
Hunter Valley Hampers is swamped with requests for donations, charity hampers and support for community events. To overcome this, we have a novel approach to make a selection of the best submission each month and send a gourmet hamper to the community group. So get busy typing and stand by for you chance at a free hamper.
Gourmet Hampers Australia is proud to offer you the chance to promote your school or community group and share some premium Hunter Valley produce at the same time.
Visit www.huntervalleyhampers.com.au or call 1300 284 684 to place your order.