Deeside Business Woman is Dreaming of a `Green’ Christmas

An Aberdeenshire entrepreneur is urging people to think `green’ and local for festive gifts this year with the launch of a hamper company where all the produce is sourced from small producers within 40 miles of each other, and even the packaging is reusable and from sustainable sources.

Deeside Hampers is the latest business venture from Serena Humphrey of Dinnet Estate in Deeside who already runs a smokehouse and a vegetable box scheme using produce from the Estate.

The hampers, which are named after the hills, glens and lochs of Deeside, contain a variety of artisan products made in the local area including cheeses from the recently established Cambus O’May Cheese Company and Banchory Devenick Dairy, handknitted oatcakes from Buchanan Food of Aboyne, onion marmalade and shortbread from Kincardine Kitchen and desserts from Tilquillie Puddings as well as a range of smoked game from Deeside Smokehouse. Customers can also choose to add a bottle of the newly launched `Dee Dram’ to their hamper, the malt whisky chosen by the ghillies, proprietors and anglers of the River Dee.

“I am passionate about using local produce with low food miles and keeping packaging to a minimum in the production of these hampers, “ said Serena Humphrey. “We are lucky enough to have some truly fantastic food producers located within Royal Deeside. The hamper idea was crying out to be brought to the market! The hampers make really special gifts at any time of year and allow the recipient to sample the very best of our local produce while supporting small businesses. We shall introduce specific local products to suit the seasons throughout the year – for example, we have homemade brandy butter and Christmas puds for the festive season and smoked haggis for St Andrews Day or Burns Night.”

Well known. award winning broadcaster and local food enthusiast, Frieda Morrison, who helped to launch the hampers said: “People are becoming more aware of the importance of reducing food miles and hence the need to buy local produce. The sheer quality of the produce in these hampers is incredible and a real showcase for what Deeside has to offer. This is the place for real taste!”

The hampers are presented in jute bags, an eco-friendly, natural fibre, and sourced from Dundee, and woodwool from sustainable forests is used for packaging. The cardboard box for mailorder comes from Andersons Packaging located in Aberdeen at the mouth of the River Dee.