North East-based preserve producers Woodcrest Kitchen and The Mad Jam Woman found success at the World Marmalade Awards – receiving gold awards for their Three Fruit Marmalade and Ruby Grapefruit Marmalade with Chia Spice respectively.
Competing against marmalades from around the world, judges agreed the preserves were excellent, particularly their well-balanced flavours. They were also impressed with their appearance, colour, consistency, aroma and taste.
The awards received entries from some 33 countries this year, including Ukraine, Spain, Canada, Brazil, Czech Republic, Japan and Argentina. They were judged by an expert panel including food writer Dan Lepard, Fortnum & Mason grocery buyer Holly Warren, and food historian Ivan Day.
Woodcrest owner Esther Brooks, who won for a third consecutive year, said: “We are so pleased to have won against such strong competition from all over the world. As a region, the North East has so many good food producers and we’re proud to be among the best of them!”
The awards’ founder Jane Hasell-McCosh said: “Artisan makers are so valuable to our marmalade community and the variation and creativity of the entrants this year has been notable. So often those who win an award in this category go on to develop their business further, which we at Dalemain are delighted to support. I hope that Woodcrest Kitchen and The Mad Jam Woman will have great success with their marmalade both locally and further afield.”
Sponsored by Fortnum & Mason and Rathbones, the awards raise money for palliative care around the world. This year’s key beneficiary was Hospice at Home Carlisle & North Lakeland, and to-date the awards have raised more than £275,000. For more information visit www.marmaladeawards.com
