About Us
HIIU GOURMET products are made with love and care
Hiiu Gourmet was born from a desire to bring the nature and flavors of Hiiumaa into jars, cups, and gift boxes.
Today, we are a family business where craftsmanship, creativity, and the island’s spirit come together in every product.
Created in harmony with nature
We create our products in harmony with nature, in a UNESCO-recognized Man and Biosphere programme area, where local knowledge, traditions, and the natural environment are closely connected.
Our teas carry the Hiiumaa Green Label, which confirms their local origin and responsible production practices. Environmental sustainability is a natural part of our daily work, and we collaborate closely with local producers and communities.
We are also members of Organic Estonia and the Estonian Rural Tourism Association, supporting transparent, ethical, and regionally rooted production.
Everything we create is made with love from Hiiumaa.
Our people
Hiiu Gourmet was founded on August 28, 2012, by Ly Johansen and Heli Handorf, inspired by a love for Hiiumaa’s nature, flavors, and beauty. What began as a small idea has grown into a family business that carries Hiiumaa’s stories in every product.
In 2025, Ly and her husband Jørn Hermann Johansen opened the Hiiu Gourmet Factory in Käina. The former hardware store has become a cozy factory, shop, and gathering place where creativity, nature, and warmth meet.
Ly is the creative heart of Hiiu Gourmet. Through workshops in flavored salts, herbal teas, and wreath-making, she invites people to experience Hiiumaa with their hands and senses. Her guiding principle is simple: “It must be beautiful, too.”
Jørn is the steady force behind the scenes – a practical mind, technical support, and good humor included. The Factory is also a place for workshops, events, and shared moments, just like Hiiumaa itself: calm, welcoming, and authentic.
Family at heart
Hiiu Gourmet has always been a family journey. Ly’s children and their families have grown alongside the brand – Emma and Rivo with their son Ruudi, and Lotta and Taavi with their daughter Marta.
Emma and Lotta were the first testers of new ideas and have become familiar faces in our photos and stories. Rivo and Taavi lend a hand whenever needed – from building shelves to preparing workshops. Everyone contributes in their own way, creating the warm, genuine spirit of Hiiu Gourmet.
Rivo and Taavi have also been part of the Factory's activities – when needed, they lend a hand, whether it's building a shelf, mixing a blend, or preparing a workshop. Everyone contributes in their own way, and that's what creates Hiiu Gourmet's special family spirit.The youngest members, Marta and Ruudi, have brought even more joy and playfulness to the Factory – and inspired a new product line born from children’s sincerity and joy.
The Love Tea story
Love Tea was created for Lotta and Taavi’s wedding on Hiiumaa. Ly poured her motherly wishes into a tea blend that became a gift for the guests. Today, it remains one of our most beloved teas – filled with rose petals, hibiscus, mint, and the gentle power of Hiiumaa’s nature.
Love is at the heart of everything we create – whether it’s family, work, or a simple cup of tea.Visit the Hiiu Gourmet Factory
The mentoring program was implemented by the Hiiumaa PATEE program and was funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Hiiu Gourmet received support from the Hiiu Cooperative Association Leader program "Purchase of equipment for innovative valorization of raw materials for Hiiu tea blends and flavor blends." (total project volume 10,431.64 EUR, support 6,258.98 EUR). The project will purchase a freeze-drying oven, dryer and mixer.
In 2021, Hiiu Gourmet received support from the Leader program for the project "Hiiu Gourmet sales (e-sales) complex, contactless solution for crises" (total project volume 6,560.-EUR, support 3,936.-EUR). The project improved Hiiu Gourmet's online store. New photos were taken, which are used throughout marketing measures, including in print and social media. The so-called "full circle" for product sales is being developed, starting from advertising the online store, better customer service and communication (to create a customer base, feedback opportunity, etc.), packaging products in an environmentally sustainable and high-quality manner, adding Hiiu Gourmet promotional flyers and new product offers for after-sales.
Hiiu Gourmet updated its product packaging with the help of a mentoring program
- Tea box design
- Bulk packaging for the HORECA sector
- Presentation boxes for the HORECA sector
- Updated homepage