AN Island company specialising in gourmet hampers has reported a "significant increase" in demand and are putting it down to cost-conscious customers.

 
Mark Hotchkiss managing director of isleofmanhampers.com said: "The attraction of a hamper is that it offers something for everyone ranging from cheeses for the savoury palate to chocolates for the sweet tooth.

"In the current economic climate companies are taking a more considered approach to the sort of gifts they give clients and staff and that is already apparent in our order book for hampers.

"We originally launched the hampers for the corporate market but we are now seeing increasing interest from consumers who want to give a gift that is not only practical but reflects their own association with the Isle of Man."

 
The hampers contain contents sourced from 15 local producers and suppliers including cheese, kippers, tea and coffee, handmade chocolates and truffles and locally brewed beers.

 
Last year the company sold more than 1,000 hampers.

 
Mark concluded: "This year we anticipate the figure will be considerably higher which goes towards supporting the local economy."

isleofmanhampers.com is a subsidiary of Post-a-Rose.