Local Artisan Marmalade Maker Wins Prestigious Award in Global Competition
Local preserves producers Barkby Bakehouse Ltd have, for the first time, found success at the World Artisan Marmalade Awards, receiving a Bronze Award for their Seville Orange marmalade, proving it really is some of the best in the world!
A firm favourite, this preserve is particularly loved for its strong flavour, and clearly the judges agreed! They were very impressed with the marmalade’s appearance, colour, consistency, aroma and flavour.
Despite the pandemic and multiple UK lockdowns, the Marmalade Awards received a record-breaking number of entries this year, with over 3,000 jars from more than 30 countries worldwide including Japan, Canada, Australia, Kuwait and the Dominican Republic. The Artisan Awards are judged by an expert panel including food writer Dan Lepard and Fortnum & Mason Grocery Buyer Sarah Metcalf, and this accolade denotes a marmalade of exceptional quality.
Founder of the Awards Jane Hasell-McCosh says: ‘We have always been so proud to champion quality artisan producers, and this year it has been more important than ever. Small businesses have been hit incredibly hard by the pandemic, but I think it has made people realise how vital good, local food is, and I hope that Barkby Bakehouse Ltd will have huge success with their marmalade both locally and further afield. The quality of artisan marmalade has never been higher and I am so proud of our Award winners this year.’
Due to continuing restrictions, the Awards were not announced in March as usual, and instead the winners were celebrated as part of the annual Plant Fair at Dalemain in June. Marmalade enthusiasts flocked to Dalemain to taste preserves from all over the world, see the winners announced and take part in ‘Marmalade Question Times’ with the experts.
Owner and artisan marmalade maker Sue Shaw says ‘We are so pleased to have won this award against such strong competition from all over the world. We have been making our marmalade for four years and have always thought that it is some of the best marmalade we’ve ever tasted, so it’s nice to have the Award to prove it!’
As well as online, Barkby Bakehouse’s marmalade can be purchased at Hillside Farm Shop in Barrow-on-Soar and at the regular Market Harborough Farmers Market. For the full list of Artisan Marmalade Awards, visit: https://www.dalemain.com/2021-award-winners/
The Awards are sponsored by Fortnum & Mason and Rathbones and are proud to raise money for palliative care around the world. This year’s key beneficiary is once again Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland, and to date the Awards have raised over £270,000 for palliative care around the world.
For more information about the Marmalade Awards visit www.marmaladeawards.com