Gift company promoting local produce

Some of the best Sunshine Coast products are being shipped to all corners of Australia thanks to the hard work of Marcoola-based gift company, Hampers To Go.

MILESTONE: Libby Marker, Halinka Panzera, MP Fiona Simpson and Angela Quain at Hampers To Go’s first birthday celebrations.

Some of the best Sunshine Coast products are being shipped to all corners of Australia thanks to the hard work of local gift company, Hampers To Go which celebrated its first birthday recently.

Crowds descended on the Marcoola-based store to sample the local wares and celebrate the milestone with business owner Libby Marker, who established Hampers To Go after spending years trying to source quality corporate gifts for her husband’s business.

“I have a real passion for supporting local and this, combined with the limited options for unique corporate gifts resulted in the vision for Hampers To Go,” Ms Marker said.

“I’ve lived here on the Sunshine Coast for over two decades and was aware of the growth in unique and exciting products being developed in the region. I feel really lucky to live in place that has a diverse range of exceptional produce making it easy to create incredible gifts for my customers.

A number of local producers were also part of the celebrations including Kellie Marshall from Tea Shop which produces organic loose leaf tea.

Ms Marshall recently relocated from Byron Bay to continue her business’s journey here on the Sunshine Coast.

“It was great to meet customers at the Hampers To Go store as part of the celebration to give them a taste of our teas and share our exciting news that we’re now one of Libby’s local suppliers,” Ms Marshall said.

Ms Marker thanked her suppliers for the support and encouraged locals to get behind Sunshine Coast brands to ensure the longevity of these boutique producers.

“We have a great opportunity to put the Sunshine Coast on the map and our hampers aim to contribute to showcasing what we have here,” Ms Marker said.

“Customers love coming instore to browse our product range which includes not only local food products but also soaps, candles and even hand crocheted baby clothes thanks to a local grandmother who creates mini masterpieces to include in our new baby hampers.

“Our online store is also really popular, especially for those outside the region who order for friends and family who live here.

“We’re heading into our busiest time of year in the lead-up to Christmas, particularly with the corporate market looking for client gifts.

“Our team will work hard over this period to make sure we can get the hampers out as quickly as possible. Whether it’s for corporate clients or customised gifts for friends and family, there’s really something for everyone.

“I spend months organising and sourcing products in the lead up to the festive season to offer a great variety for our customers.”

Originally published as