Taste of Irish Christmas for exiles Down Under

Friends and family who are living at the far side of the world and are unable to return home for Christmas don’t have to miss out on the traditional tastes of Christmas at home thanks to an Australian Irish food product supplier, which has launched its Christmas hamper and stocking gift service.

The online company – www.tasteireland.com.au – is now taking orders for the Christmas season, allowing families and friends of people now living in Australia to send loved ones a taste of Ireland this festive season.

For those unable to make a trip back to the northern hemisphere for Christmas, Taste Ireland can bring a piece of home to expats throughout Australia and New Zealand to ward off homesickness.

Products we grew up with are rare treats in the Antipodies, including favourites such as Tayto crisps, Kimberly Biscuits, Ballymaloe Relish and Club Orange not to mention the cherished Cadbury’s chocolate selection.

“At Christmas in particular, these hampers save people back home the time, postage and quarantine issues. All you have to do is simply hop online to www.tasteireland.com.au and decide what you would like to send your loved ones. We also include festive cards with messages and crackers then deliver it all direct to the door,” said Taste Ireland managing director, Eamon Eastwood.

This year saw record numbers of Irish people granted residential status in Australia, mainly drawn by employment opportunities following the Irish economic downturn. Hampers can include the likes of Batchelors peas, Knorr sauce mixes, Colmans sauces, Chivers, Paxo stuffing and Birds Strawberry Trifle.

Final orders taken in time for Christmas delivery are: New Zealand – Thursday, December 10; Perth, Adelaide and all country regional areas – Monday, December 14; and Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne Metro – Tuesday, December 22.