Treat a loved one (or yourself) to a delectable hamper laden with Italian goodies; from the finest wines, to the best pesto, to pasta just like mamma used to make. Eccellente!
Carluccio’s
There are over 40 Carluccio’s Caffés in the UK, two in Dubai and an online shop where you can purchase the Italian deli delights the company is renowned for. Rather than a traditional hamper, the produce comes in a scarlet red box and there are five to choose from, the biggest being La Grande Selezione - The Ultimate Selection (£200), which includes funghi porcini secchi speciale, pasta, Garda Trentino Olive Oil and Antonio Carluccio’s Simple Cooking book. Alternatively, go for La Festa – The Feast (£155) which counts matured balsamic vinegar, Pinot Grigio, Carnaroli rice and linguine amongst its prizes. Prices include VAT and delivery costs £5.60. Buy here
Locanda Toscana
Locanda Toscana specialises in Tuscan food and is a gourmet Italian hamper specialist with over 19 to choose from in the online shop. The range has authentic artisan products made from the finest ingredients. All of the hampers are named after Italian towns and villages including Pisa (£145), Siena (£170) and Firenze (£215). They all come in a rustic wooden presentation box. The Siena hamper includes Panetonne cake, sun dried tomatoes, fig jam and extra virgin olive oil. The Firenze hamper includes two bottles of Italian wine, Tuscan salami, pecorino sheep’s cheese and brandy. Price includes VAT, delivery is £11.50. Buy here.
The Organic Gift Hamper Company
The Organic Gift Hamper Company is one of the leading suppliers of high quality hampers. Set up by Fairtrade enthusiasts there are three organic Italian gift hampers to choose from online: The Roma (£69.00), The Florence (£85.00) and The Milan (£119.00). The Florence has 11 items and includes a herb starter kit, extra virgin olive oil, cantuccini biscuits and Chianti; The Milan has 16 items and its mouthwatering goodies include espresso coffee, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes and capers. All hampers are presented in an open wicker hamper tray. Prices includes VAT; standard delivery is £7.95. Buy here.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market is renowned on both sides of the Atlantic as the leading natural and organic retailer. There are five UK stores, all in London - Camden, Clapham Junction, Kensington, Soho and Stoke Newington and an online shop for hampers. You can choose from two Italian hampers online, The Piccolo (£65.99) or Italian Luxury (£169.99). The Piccolo has Italian wines, coffee, chocolates, biscuits and Tuscan almond cookies (cantuccini). The impressive 17-piece Italian Luxury hamper includes truffle cream, Rustichella spaghetti, Bitetto olives, pumpkin risotto mix and Italian wines. Both come in wicker baskets and prices include VAT and delivery. Buy here.