Every marmalade Old California Botanicals Produces Earned Two Medals in Global Competition Based in the UK
Redlands, California-based marmalade producer Old California Botanicals has found success at the 2026 Artisan World Marmalade Awards, receiving 8 awards, including a Silver Award for their Redlands Navel Orange marmalade, Bronze Awards for their Eureka Lemon and Minneola Tangelo marmalades, and Merit Awards for their Valencia Orange marmalade. Old California Botanicals is among only a handful of Americans to medal in the competition. Surrounded by creative and fascinating tastes such as snow fungus, foraged Alexanders, sweet potato and Scotch Bonnet, Old California Botanicals’ marmalades was enjoyed for the outstanding and layered flavor profiles created by its estate-grown citrus cultivated with special methods in Redlands’ ideal citrus microclimates, impressing all the judges.
The Marmalade Awards have received over 3400 entries this year from more than 33 countries worldwide including La Reunion (France), The Island of Elba (Italy), Greece, Gibraltar, South Africa, Portugal and Taiwan. The jars are judged by an expert panel including Chair of Tourism Ireland Chris Brooke, Food Buyer for Tebay, Gloucester and Cairn Lodge Services, Alex Evans, Food Historian Ivan Day, owner of the Ave Maria Organic Orange Grove in Seville, Jose Fraga and Fortnum & Mason Grocery Buyer Syrie Gwyn Palmer. Those jars that received awards will now carry official Marmalade Awards roundels to denote a marmalade of exceptional quality. Every jar submitted by Old California Botanicals received two medals each, one in the general category and one in the Savoury category, which recognises marmalades designed to be eaten with savoury food, demonstrating how citrus preserves can complement dishes far beyond the traditional breakfast table.
‘It is an exciting moment coming to judge the Artisan marmalades every year which are often packed full of innovation and individuality. Every jar is judged completely blind by our panel with many jars being passed around the tables to be judged as a group. All the award winners this year make it look very easy to achieve something which we as judges know is very hard to do.
I know that Old California Botanicals will have huge success with their marmalade which was rightly acknowledged as being exceptional in 2026.’
– Beatrice Hasell-McCosh, Director of the Awards
Old California Botanicals will have the opportunity to participate with Artisan Gold and Double Gold award winners in a workshop at the World Marmalade Awards on Friday 24th April at Dalemain House in Penrith, UK. Dalemain will stock Gold and Double Gold marmalades in their World Marmalade Shop at Dalemain throughout the year with marmalades from the UK, Japan, and around Europe and beyond, available to taste and buy.
‘It is exciting to have won this award against such strong competition from all over the world. Some of the best citrus in the world grows in California and in Redlands, and our proprietary methods are tailored to showcase our unique microclimate. it is a great thrill to be recognised among such a strong field of competitors against citrus sourced from around the world.’
- John P. Beall, Old California Botanicals
As well as online at oldcaliforniabotanicals.com, Old California Botanicals’ marmalade can also be purchased at partner retailers across Southern California; a list of these locations is available at Find OCB in Stores. Locally, OCB’s marmalades are available at all locations of Clark’s Nutrition & Natural Foods Market, the Museum of Redlands museum store, Gerrard’s Market, and at Roger’s Gardens. OCB’s marmalades have already received attention as a culinary ingredient, served to acclaim to 210 people at the Kimberly Crest Home & Gardens Royal Tea in 2025 in Redlands, CA, and it is presently available in certain cocktails served at The Overland, also in Redlands, CA.
For more information on the Artisan Marmalade Awards, visit www.marmaladeawards.com. The Marmalade Festival will take place on Saturday 25th April during World Marmalade Week.
