As we approach a time dedicated to celebrating the incredible mothers in our lives, we take a moment to talk to our co-founder, Gin Hayward, who, alongside her husband Geoff, established Virginia Hayward Hampers in 1984.
Together they embarked on a vision to create exquisite hampers that encapsulated the essence of thoughtful gifting. With unwavering dedication and a commitment to quality, they laid the foundation for what has become a much-cherished family business.
From humble beginnings to becoming one of the biggest hamper companies in the UK, Gin & Geoff passed the reins to their son, Sam Hayward, who carries forward the traditions and values that define our brand. We continue to create hampers that embody the same thoughtfulness and care that Gin & Geoff envisioned all those years ago.
Over a cup of tea and shortbread, we sat down with Gin (quite literally the mother of our brand) to reminisce about the early days of Virginia Hayward Hampers.
Can you tell us how Virginia Hayward hampers was started back in 1984?
We were given a hamper from Jackson’s of Piccadilly in London which we knew was expensive and wondered how the price was justified. It sparked an idea and the potential for diversification beyond our traditional farming practices, and repurposing the outbuildings on our North Dorset farm presented an exciting opportunity.
We packed the first hampers on our farmhouse kitchen table, with friends and neighbours helping as we got busier.
Who were your first customers?
Our very first customer was a lovely lady who helped us pack the hampers. She sent a hamper to her daughter at university. However, that first delivery faced an unexpected hiccup and got lost in transit, so it wasn’t a good start! We have now delivered millions of hampers to businesses and people up and down the country.
What were the company values, and have they continued to stay the same?
Always customer satisfaction.
We believe that every interaction should reflect our dedication to providing exceptional value for money and outstanding service. Our guiding principle has always been to put the customer first, and this ethos continues to inspire Virginia Hayward Hampers every day.
Business looked very different in 1984. It’s fascinating to consider how much has changed in just a few decades. Back then, the absence of the Internet meant that we relied heavily on printed brochures and mailing lists to reach customers.
In today’s digital landscape, our commitment to building genuine relationships remains at the heart of our business. As we embrace the convenience of online selling and digital communication, we never lose sight of the personal touch that sets us apart.
The dedicated team is always ready to assist our customers over the phone, ensuring they feel valued and heard. As the Christmas season approaches, we’re still as excited to share our cherished printed Christmas Brochure in 2025 as we were in 1984, it’s still a real highlight of our festive marketing campaign.
Could you tell us about the first brochure?
We were given the contact of a Bath based agency that arranged the photography for our first brochure, which was soft-focused shots in a lovely old house. The concept was ‘the wonder and joy of opening a hamper on Christmas day’. Our two daughters were featured on the front cover, capturing the spirit of our family business, unfortunately, our son, Sam, was away at school so couldn’t join us!
What were some of the major turning points in the company?
Reflecting on our journey, we are proud to have been the first to include alcohol in hampers, a move that not only set us apart but also inspired confidence among other businesses to partner with us in the gifting space. At a time when hampers were a rarity, we introduced a fresh concept that resonated with customers and opened the door to our unique alcoholic hamper range in collaboration with a major department store. This pivotal moment revealed the untapped potential of our offerings and laid the foundation for the diverse gifting experiences we provide today.
In 1988, we built our first warehouse, and since then, a further 16 have followed, allowing us to significantly grow and serve our customers better. In 2015, the opportunity to buy a site just 5 miles from our family farm in Shaftesbury, Dorset, marked a pivotal moment for our business. This expansion represented our commitment to quality and service.
What makes the perfect Hamper?
Variety truly is the spice of life, and when it comes to creating the perfect hamper, it’s the essential ingredient that transforms an ordinary gift into an extraordinary experience.
Do you have a favourite hamper from the past?
The Merry Christmas Basket, a shrink-wrapped tray was always our most popular seller. It contained a half bottle of red and white wine and all the essential goodies for Christmas, at a very attractive price point. We really enjoyed ranging this hamper every year.
