THE World Marmalade Awards, which are based in Cumbria, have received a record number of entries from around the world. 

The awards are based at Dalemain and have attracted marmalade makers from across the globe including Slovenia, Czechia, Lebanon, Hawaii and Taiwan, who have joined together with artisans from Britain to create their magnificent marmalades. 

Entries from across the world have been sent to Cumbria to be tasted and judged by the competition's collection of experts including Dan Lepard, Chef Koj, Ivan Day and Jane Maggs.

Unusual entries from this year’s competition include an ‘accidentally burnt but delicious’ entry, rum and raison marmalade, fragrant olive, Yuzu, sake and chilli, onion, caviar and port.

Away from the 'homemade' category, there is also a category for 'artisan' producers still using the open pan method.

Gold and double gold winners of the artisan marmalade award will collect their prizes from the High Sheriff of Cumbria on April 19 while also having the opportunity to join a workshop lead by Jane Maggs, Pam Corbin and Dan Lepard.

This year there are three artisan 'double gold' winners for the following categories: traditional, international, and marmalade to be eaten with savoury food.

The winner of the best international marmalade was Shikwasa marmalade by Anna Abe from Gela in Italy.

The traditional marmalade double gold is Esther Brooks from Woodcrest Kitchen with her lemon marmalade with Durham cask-aged gin (Islay Edition).

Alexandra McWilliams-Brice from The Proper Marmalade Company came away with the savoury double gold award for her lemon and horseradish marmalade. 

"The sheer variety of ingredients has been noteworthy as seen in our savoury double gold winners," said Beatrice Hasell-McCosh, director of The Dalemain World Marmalade Award.

"Local flavours have been very popular with people not having to look far for their winning additions such as Esther with her local gin.

"The international entry numbers have increased again making it a hard won fight for the Shikwasa marmalade which was so deserving of its win that the jar was almost emptied by our judges in the final rounds to choose the artisan winners." 

Last year’s 2023 Homemade Winner, Tim Nind’s Seville orange and ginger marmalade, has sold well at Fortnum & Mason and at Dalemain, raising more than £6,000 for Hospice at Home and his chosen charity, Hessilhead Wildlife Trust in Scotland.