Marmalade Makers and a Red Hatted Bear Reunite for the 18th Dalemain World Marmalade Awards

Organisers of the Marmalade Awards in Cumbria are delighted to announce the launch of the 2023 international competition. There are new categories to try, with experienced judges giving expert feedback and the event promises to be a celebration of 18 years of marmalade magic. Organisers will be looking for novel ways of eating and making marmalade and what the preserve means to people.

The 2023 Awards have a special focus on new and developing trends in the world of marmalade. The Rathbones ‘Generations Together’, highlights the knowledge of older cooks with the more youthful approach from the next generation where they will be looking to unite people over a jam pan combining wisdom, experience and experimentation.

Richard Dawson, Regional Head of Rathbones, Kendal said ‘Rathbones is delighted to support the Marmalade Awards in their 18^th year. We have been trusted for generations to manage and preserve clients’ wealth – keeping the future in mind when we make investment decisions for our clients. The Rathbones ‘Generations Together’ category reflects our purpose of building enduring value for our clients, making a wider contribution to society and creating a lasting legacy. Our clients and colleagues are very much looking forward to entering the competition again in 2023’.

Other categories to reflect this new focus are, ‘Taste of Honey’ and ‘Tea Time Marmalade’. Honey and marmalade normally go on separate slices of toast, but can marmalade makers combine the two to create a taste sensation? The use of whole leaf, ground tea or an infusion in marmalade is growing in popularity, this category challenges entrants to blend these unique flavour profiles.

The competition next year will also mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles. It is believed that Marmalade is often on the Royal Family’s breakfast table and this special category is all about making an organic marmalade that entrants hope the future King will enjoy, designing an interesting label for the jar that is entered. This could be a wonderful way to celebrate this historic occasion with a traditional British treat.

Organisers are also pleased to announce the return of a popular category inspired by Scottish novelist John Buchan: the Marmalade MacNab. Marmalade is so magnificent; it shouldn’t be limited to breakfast! This class, encourages the eating of marmalade with fur, fish or fowl and highlights the true versatility of the preserve.  The category is particularly special as it is judged by John Buchan’s granddaughter!

Jane Hasell-McCosh Founder of the Marmalade Awards and Festival comments:

‘The 2022 winner, Mike Ranson, whose Seville Orange and Cider Marmalade with Calvados was crowned the best in the world, has been immensely popular at Dalemain Mansion and Fortnum and Mason.  It has a depth and vitality that makes people want to come back for another serving.  So we hope to find an equally exceptional marmalade for 2023.’

The competitions will open on Monday 2^nd January and all entries must arrive at Dalemain Mansion, Cumbria by Sunday 5^th February 2023.

The Homemade Awards and Festival will take place on Saturday 22^nd April, where bells will ring, choirs will sing and spoons will rise in honour of these pots of gold. Keen observers may also spot a special bear pottering about amongst the thousands of jars on display.

As part of the competition Fortnum and Mason will stock a selection of Gold-Winning Artisan marmalades in their Piccadilly store. This is a highly sought-after prize by all Artisan producers and a fantastic opportunity to help take their small business to the next level. The winner of the Homemade Awards will see their marmalade commercially produced and sold in Fortnum and Mason and Dalemain Mansion, with a percentage of each sale going to charity.

The full fee for entering the Homemade Awards will go to Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland, or to the palliative care charity of the entrant’s choice. Organisers hope to break more records this year with the highest number of entries yet to continue their support of local, national and international charities. The Awards take place with the generous support of Fortnum and Mason, Rathbones Investment Management and Lycetts.