Sharing The Joy: Interview With James Tod Of The British Hamper Company

James Tod is co-founder and managing director at the British Hamper Company, a company that curates and delivers luxury gift hampers filled with the finest British artisan produce. Their aim has always been to showcase the incredible quality and diversity of food being made across the UK, while also making gifting, whether personal or corporate effortless and memorable.

Every hamper is carefully packed in-house by their team in Lincolnshire and they ship worldwide, helping people connect with loved ones or clients wherever they are.

Hamper Companies Are Popping Up Everywhere – What Do You Do Differently?

In a crowded market I’m passionate about combining small batch made produce with a simple ecommerce user experience that can ship hampers out to loved ones across the world within a week.

While the concept of a hamper isn’t new, we’ve always strived to elevate the experience. From the selection of gourmet produce sourced from small, independent British producers, to the beautiful presentation and smooth delivery process. Our customer service is highly personalised and we also offer global delivery with tracked, reliable shipping. That combination of thoughtful curation, high-end British produce, and exceptional service is what truly sets us apart.

With People Spending More Time Than Ever Behind Their Desks, Is Eating Healthy More Important Than Ever?

Absolutely.

There’s a real shift in awareness around wellbeing, and food plays a huge part in that. People are not only more conscious of what they eat, but also where it comes from. We have seen growing demand for hampers that cater to dietary requirements such as gluten-free, vegan, low sugar and we’re proud to offer options that celebrate indulgence while still being mindful of health and values like sustainability.

Who Is BHC Aimed At?

Our typical customer is female, aged 28-40, who appreciate quality and are seeking a thoughtful gift.

We cater to a broad audience from individuals looking to send heartfelt gifts to loved ones, to companies wanting to build and maintain strong relationships with clients or reward their teams. Whether it’s a family gift, a birthday surprise, or a corporate thank you, our hampers are designed to suit all occasions and recipients.

What Has Been The Biggest Hurdle To Overcome When Starting A Company Selling Gourmet Products?

One of the biggest challenges has been logistics particularly around international delivery of perishable goods. It’s not just about sourcing fantastic produce; it’s about getting it to the recipient in perfect condition, whether they are in Lincoln, Madrid or Sydney. Brexit and COVID both brought unique challenges to cross-border trade, but we’ve worked hard to maintain seamless delivery worldwide and build a system that our customers can rely on.

In our peak seasons we handle over 2,000 orders a day, being sent to over 50 countries worldwide, it requires an exceptional operations team and systems we have developed and improved over the last ten years.

Is It Harder To Sell People High Quality And Local Produce Than It Is To Sell Them Instant Gratification?

There is always an element of education involved when promoting high-quality, artisanal products even more so in a world driven by convenience and speed. But I believe more people are recognising the value in craftsmanship, sustainability and supporting small producers.

Once someone experiences the difference in taste and quality, they often don’t go back. It’s about creating an emotional connection with the product and the story behind it.

What Has Been Your Biggest Achievement To Date With BHC? What’s Next For You And BHC?

It’s hard to pinpoint just one achievement, but I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, a small family-run startup to a global gifting brand trusted by thousands. Seeing our hampers reach recipients in over 50 countries and hearing their joy is always a highlight.

As for what’s next, we are continually expanding our product range, focusing more on sustainable packaging, and investing in tech to enhance the customer experience. We’re also exploring partnerships with more artisan producers to keep our offering fresh, exciting, and proudly British.

How Can We Find You?

You can explore our full range of hampers at www.britishhamper.com. We’re also active on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, where we share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and new launches. And of course, our customer service team is always happy to help with bespoke orders or any questions.