The county’s food and drink businesses can target new markets this Christmas, thanks to Made in Cumbria.

The initiative was set up by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce to promote craft and food and drink products that are ‘wholly’ or ‘substantially’ manufactured and finished in Cumbria.

It was relaunched earlier this year with a new website featuring stunning imagery and profiles telling the stories behind member businesses.

A new e-commerce facility allows people to order themed hampers containing a mouth-watering selection of Cumbrian produce.

Chamber chief executive Rob Johnston said: “We had a very positive response to the new website and the benefits of the relaunch are starting to show.

“The hampers are popular as corporate gifts – our customers include car dealers, house builders and holiday accommodation providers – but the new e-commerce facility also allows consumers to buy them as personal gifts offering an authentic taste of Cumbria.

“This is a new route to market for Made in Cumbria member businesses.

“With Christmas fast approaching we’re dispatching orders to addresses across the UK and we’ve even had enquiries from the US.”

The hampers start at £38. Orders over £100 (excluding delivery) attract a discount of 10 per cent if placed before November 30.

Made in Cumbria supports members through workshops and advice and provides a sales outlet through its shop in Branthwaite Brow, Kendal, which also hosts demonstrations and product tastings.

Rob added: “Cumbria is renowned for outstanding, world-class craft and food and drink businesses but, individually, they can struggle to be heard. That’s where Made in Cumbria comes in.

“Cumbria Business Growth Hub’s Supply Chain Gateway project helps them achieve listings with major retailers. We’ve been particularly successful in getting members’ products into Booths.

“We also promote their products directly through the Made in Cumbria shop and work with them to develop their websites as a route to market. We can provide grants for this through the Growth Hub’s Subsidy Scheme.”

To find out about Made in Cumbria membership and for details of bespoke hampers as corporate gifts, call Michelle Wiggins on 0845 226 0040 or email michelle@cumbriachamber.co.uk