Picnic and hampers prove the right mix

After a career in hospitality, marketing and events, Lynda Lister is the proud founder of The Surfcoast Picnic Co, which one year on is going from strength-to-strength.

Lynda and her husband moved to Torquay 12 years ago to start a family.

On the side Lynda completed a marketing degree and worked part-time in both marketing and events roles.

COVID left her out of work in early 2020 and after stressing for a few months, Lynda and Christian found some inspiration from a Melbourne company doing iso deliveries.

Lynda spent the morning researching the market and decided a focus on local produce was going to be their niche. While grazing boxes were not unique, the picnic idea using local produce was and by lunchtime that day, The Surfcoast Picnic Company was born.

The founding ideas were to provide a regional taste experience while travelling the region.

However when lockdowns continued, the picnics and grazing boxes became a great treat to deliver for missed occasions in lockdown.

Torquay and the Surf Coast have become such foodie destinations over the past few years and Lynda said they wanted to create a taste experience that highlighted some amazing producers that might be found on a trip to the Surf Coast.

“We are always keen to try local wine and food when travelling and thought how fabulous it would be to present a local selection for people to try,” she siad.

“As small business owners we really appreciate how much shopping small means, but it also tastes better too.

“Our hero product is the Great Ocean Road Escape. It comes in a cooler bag with ecofriendly cutlery and features meats, cheeses, homemade treats, relishes, and sweet treats from the Surf Coast and surrounds.

“We have sold just over 100 picnics since we started.”

The hampers are an extension of the picnics and give people the opportunity to bring a little piece of the Surf Coast home.

Lynda said they were excellent value compared with their competitors and make great gifts for food and wine lovers or those who have everything.

“Throughout lockdown we delivered hampers for Zoom meetings all over Melbourne,” she said.

“Our hampers make ideal property settlements gifts and holiday home welcome hampers as they highlight what is available in the region.

“They give new residents and tourists a sample of the wonderful offerings available locally. The hampers align perfectly with a holiday stay as the local experience starts right on arrival. Our customers are receiving great reviews as a result.”

The Surfcoast Picnic Co website features all hampers and picnic offerings, but Lynda will make a custom hamper for customers and happily cater to most dietary requirements too.

Surfcoastpicnic.com.au @surfcoastpicnic