PORT TOWNSEND — One year ago, Steve Moore and Victor Judd hatched the idea that became Mystery Bay Shipping, an entrepreneurial business that promotes North Olympic Peninsula food products and in turn supports those who produce them.
“We saw the range of food that was available at the farmers market and thought there was a way to ship it to other areas,” Judd said.
“We saw there was a lot of cool stuff being produced locally and wanted to create another market for those products.”
Products are from throughout the Peninsula and Whidbey Island.
The delivery system is the gift basket, an artfully arranged combination of related items that provide the recipient a taste of what the area has to offer.
“There are a lot of neat stuff coming out of the area, and the people making them are personally connected to the products,” Moore said.
Unique taste treats
Sending these products to people across the country extends that connection to others who may or may not be familiar with the region but can enjoy some unique taste treats.
The content of the baskets are determined by the giver, who can choose from more than 200 products to personalize the basket for the recipient’s taste.
The prices range from $20 to more than $100 plus shipping, which depends on where the recipient lives and when it needs to arrive.
Orders can be taken over the phone, but Judd said most customers use a web system the company developed that allows customers to choose specific items from a list and keep a running total of all the items in the basket so far.
Not everything fits
In the beginning, the company intended that fresh regional salmon and bread from Pan D’Amore would be on the menu, but both items were too expensive to ship properly.
“One of the first things that changed logistically for us is that we found that it was more difficult to ship fresh items,” Judd said.
“For one thing, we learned that we can’t ship chocolate to Texas in the summertime without a lot of dry ice, which means you would be paying $20 to send a $10 piece of chocolate.”
While some cheese and chocolate is available, the most popular items are nonperishables such as wine or cider and canned fish.
“There is a stigma around canned salmon, but the locally produced stuff is really good,” Judd said.
Currently, the company is gearing up for its first Valentine’s Day which, while not as busy as Christmas, is a perfect opportunity to send a heartfelt gift to those in town or outside the area.
“I like the idea that people across the country get to enjoy these products,” Judd said.
“But what I like the best about this business is how we are creating a new market for lots of small, local food producers and by selling their goods this way we are supporting their families and benefiting the local economy.”
For more information go to www.mysterybayshipping.com or phone 877-404-6272.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
